HASSELL Designs a Fluid and Colorful Atrium for Melbourne's Medibank Building

When briefing multidisciplinary studio HASSELL, Australia’s largest health insurer Medibank asked for a building which would be one of the healthiest workplaces in the world. As such, the final result is the materialization of that philosophy in the dynamic and vibrant winding staircases of the atrium in the new Medibank Building, situated in Melbourne’s Docklands district. The staircases connect all of the floors in one fluid path, encouraging flow of people between different departments in an environment which is far from staid, thanks to the use of vivid colors as a visual aid. Employees can choose from 26 different working environments, from quiet, indoor spaces and collaborative hubs to WiFi-enabled balconies and no shortage of standing desks. Circadian lighting in some of the work areas also mimic natural daylight rhythms to sync with employees’ biorhythms. A sports court at ground level, adjacent to an edible garden and demonstration kitchen promote healthy living to the building’s occupants as well as the wider community. As a final flourish, there are 2,300 plants in the interior of the building and two 25-meter high vertical gardens flanking the entrance to welcome employees and visitors into a structure that is outstanding in both design and philosophy.