7
Architecture is one standout way
for an organisation to create or
confirm public presence. The
Royal Flying Doctor Service’s (RFDS)
new national headquarters in
Adelaide is a millennial update
for a history-steeped organisation.
And it’s one that cures old accommodation
ailments where corporate services and emergency
crews functioned separately.
Designed by Walter Brooke architects, the new
facility is nerve centre and mother ship for the
RFDS’s entire aero-medical fleet. Separate from the
main airport infrastructure, many of the RFDS’s fleet
of jet and propeller craft are housed, maintained and
operated here.
The RFDS fleet of 71 aircraft covered almost 27
million kms. in 2017 and were part of the organisation’s
connection with 335,000 patients.
While so many airport structures are little more than
utilitarian boxes, or acrobatic geometry, the RFDS’s
home of steel and glass is all faceted, crisp necessity.
Contributing hugely to its form and function, Viridian
double glazed units provide deft connection to place
in ways large and small.
References to the usual airport motifs of flight are
handsomely restrained across its 5,200sq.m. that
spans two levels.
Principal among these is a 2,100sq.m. workshop fitted
hangar for up to six aircraft and bespoke office space
of 900sq.m. over two levels. Completing the services
are patient transfer and care facilities with adjoining
ambulance bays, crew sleeping quarters and associated
staff and visitor car parking.
PROJECT
Royal Flying Doctor Service Headquarters,
Adelaide Airport
ARCHITECTS
Walter Brooke
PRINCIPAL GLAZING
Viridian ThermoTech ™, SolTech ™ ,
VLam ™, VTough ™ & SpectraSeraphic ™
TEXT, IMAGES & FILM
Peter & Jenny Hyatt