Alfred Health wanted a comprehensive facility that would engage with the hospital staff and the wider community, promoting the benefits of alternative means of travel to work, namely bike travel.With a limited budget and an obscure location the brief for the Active Travel Zone was always going to require some creative thinking and problem solving.

Clearly the architecture needed to do more than respond to a set of functional requirements – it had to make a point, create a difference and announce that this facility was something unique and positive.

Contrast was the key – by the use of a fluid flowing form inserted into the hard edged, nondescript existing car park, by use of contrasting natural timber battens against the dull masonry of the external car park walls and by the use of the simple but strong bands of colour and bike motif over several floors to proclaim the healthy alternative to driving – the ‘’green’’ alternative.

The facility is designed to cater to a broad bike riding sector, from elite cyclists to the casual rider, offering a range of locker sizes, drying racks for gear and a mix of amenities. Interaction between staff of all hierarchies occurs through providing a comprehensive facility with pump, repair tools, water bubbler and notice board.

The Alfred is committed to maximising the health of its workforce and the Active Travel Zone provides the level of amenity for the bike culture to continue growing, the obvious benefits being a healthier workforce.

Completed: 2015
Location: Prahran, Melbourne Australia