LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECTS
Located within QEII Medical Centre, the new state mortuary was built in 2012 to accommodate the deceased from the hospital, trauma victims and those required to be stored by the State Coroner.
The facility was also designed to accommodate a growing need for families to view bodies immediately as part of the grieving process.
PLAN E conceived the landscape design in consultation with the local Aboriginal community to create a welcoming and intimate place where families could be at peace to grieve. While heavily overlooked by surrounding buildings, a series of courtyards successfully provide a range of opportunities for solitary respite or private gatherings, both small and large, within the chaotic setting of the hospital.
The sculptural composition of local materials with strong integrity combines to form attractive and functional courtyards. This is complemented by a rich planting palette of endemic and exotic species to create a natural place of calm. Formal and informal seating provides for every visitor and the need for an Aboriginal place of ritual and ceremony is accommodated through the provision of a stone fireplace.
Artworks by a local aboriginal artist have been incorporated as integral elements in the landscape in the form of partition screens and illuminated bollards. The landscape design has succeeded in, weaving together the elements of the existing surrounding site, the new mortuary building and interpretive artworks to create a rich quite retreat for solace and grieving.
We acknowledge and respect Traditional Owners across Australia as the original custodians of our land and waters, their unique ability to care for country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past, present and emerging whose knowledge and wisdom has and will ensure the continuation of cultures and traditional practices.
