Kangan Institute has opened the doors to its new Health and Community Centre of Excellence - a vocational education facility located in Broadmeadows, in Melbourne's north. According to Architectus, who designed the project, the facility is designed "to tackle Australia's urgent shortage of skilled professionals in the care and support sectors."

The new centre is situated opposite parkland within a mixed-use precinct. Visibility and accessibility have been key drivers in the architectural approach, with the aim of opening the centre's learning environment to the broader community. Drawing inspiration from the nearby waterway, Architectus has created a facade with brick patterning that touches on themes of life and recalls the cellular patterns of an ultrasound image.

Inside, interactive education spaces spanning three levels have been designed to support Kangan Institute's blended learning model - in Architectus's words, "fostering collaboration and real-world application."

The centre includes simulation labs for practical skills-based training in nursing, pathology, aged care, childcare and disability support; an adaptable theatre, where students can experience augmented and virtual reality scenarios or engage in traditional theatre-style learning; and light-filled atria and informal study areas, offering flexibility in accessing learning resources.

Within the three-storey entry foyer, a sculpture by First Nations artists Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy titled Three Bilangs incorporates "the colours of ochre on Wurundjeri Country […] reinforcing the centre's deep cultural connections and commitment to inclusivity," the architect's statement notes. Elsewhere, the building's materials include natural wood and inlaid bricks.

Digital technologies have been essential in enhancing learning experiences throughout, with the building "integrating hands-on learning with tech-enabled simulation spaces to inspire and equip the next generation of healthcare and community service professionals," Architectus's statement reads.

View gallery The three-storey entry foyer includes a sculpture by First Nations artists Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy. Image: Trevor Mein

The immersive theatre allows students, teachers and industry professionals to be surrounded by projection screens in order to simulate complex care environments. According to the architect, similar "virtual and augmented reality applications extend to various learning spaces, equipping students with cutting-edge tools to prepare for real-world challenges."

Architectus principal Ruth Wilson said, "We want to show people with vocations in the caring professions that they are valued, by giving them a state-of-the-art environment in which to study, build their skills and build the collegiate relationships and friendships that will follow them in their careers."

According to a statement from Kangan Institute and TAFE Victoria, over 1,000 students will train at the facility in 2025, with that number set to double from 2026. These students will have access to placements and pathways available through Kangan Institute's collaboration with universities, industry and community partners.

The Health and Community Centre of Excellence is intended to revitalise Broadmeadows and connect Kangan Institute with the surrounding Broadmeadows Town Park and civic centre. Architectus notes that "this investment in education not only enhances workforce development but also contributes to a more thriving and connected northern corridor."