Working with architect Rice Daubney the landscape architectural team was presented with a difficult problem of sunken courtyards but a desire for vegetation at higher levels. The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a state of the art cancer treatment facility that believes in the values of experience as a critical part of quality treatment, so the ability to connect with nature in such an urban environment was necessary.
The OCULUS team presented the client with the concept of the ‘Tree of Life’, referencing a widespread mythological archetype of the sacred tree. The tree was an engineering feat and is the focal point of the main lobby. Other light-well courtyards received similarly clever treatments to provide green to upper and lower levels. A roof-top garden using movable planters and streetscape planting complete the suite of spaces.
Shah was the project lead for this project while working at OCULUS and has been given permission to use the project as a sample project. The project was delivered alongside a wide team of sub-consultants from concept design through to tender documentation and construction administration.
