Architect: Daryl Jackson, 1985

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is one of Australia’s leading biomedical research organisations, with a strong reputation for performing highly influential basic and translational research. With over 1,100 staff and students, the Institute is addressing some of the major health challenges of our time, including working towards treatments and rapid diagnostic tools for COVID-19 and future potential coronavirus outbreaks.

The Institute’s research focus spans cancer, infection, inflammation, immune disorders, and conditions affecting development and ageing. It is at the forefront of research innovation, with a strong commitment to excellence and investment in research computing, advanced technologies and developing new medicines and diagnostics. The Institute is located in the world-renowned Parkville precinct, Melbourne’s vibrant and collaborative life science research, education and healthcare hub. Designed by Daryl Jackson in 1985 and redeveloped in 2012, led by Denton Corker Marshall and laboratory design specialists SKM-S2F.

The building consists of seven floors of laboratory and office space including: The National Drug Discovery Centre accelerating the identification of new medicines; Centre for Dynamic Imaging, an advanced microscopy facility generating detailed, real-time views of biological systems; 30-metre animation wall created by award-winning biomedical animator Dr Drew Berry; Clinical Translation Centre to link clinicians and laboratory research.

Photos: All photos and video footage belong to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

WATCH

John Denton, Director, Denton Corker Marshall 

Join Architect John Denton discusses the challenges and inspirations behind the creative design.

Construction and redevelopment