Project Contact
Joe Agius
Adrian Taylor
Charlie Chen
Claudio Aravena Mesías
Dtai Hansathit
Lauren Smith
Leanne Mitchell
Matte Ager-McConnell
Nick Tyrrell
Nikko Sudirman
Rachel Rutherfurd
Sandra Pamplona Gascón
Tijana Papandrea
Trent Schatzmann
Forensic Medicine & Coroners Court Complex
Lidcombe, New South Wales
The Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex (FMCCC), the largest coroner’s court and forensic medicine facility in Australia, provides services related to unexpected and unexplained deaths in our community.
For this reason, the primary motivation for the building’s design was to create an environment that would be sensitive to the experience of visitors in stressful situations. The FMCCC is an easily identifiable and positive space offering respect and dignity for both the deceased and those seeking answers.
The building celebrates nature, and the ideas of growth and life. The design includes a strong use of colour psychology – with focus on the colour green. Green is typically read as calming and expresses the ideas of renewal and harmony. This has been incorporated into various parts of the facades including the sculptural perforated shade fins on the west side of the building.
Feature spaces include the entrance atrium, courtroom waiting areas, and viewing spaces that celebrate daylight access, landscape views, and public art installations in selected locations. COX’s methodology was strongly embraced by the New South Wales State Government in the hope that the building will help families and staff who work in demanding and often emotionally challenging situations.
COX Director Nick Tyrrell
Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the facility references ideas of growth and nature, and at the same time enriches the public realm.
The complex’s high-tech facilities ensure more comprehensive and timely investigations can be undertaken into sudden and unexplained deaths. Due to the size of the FMCCC, it can also cater to complex cases and disasters involving mass casualties.
Kathlyn Loseby, New South Wales chapter president of the Australian Institute of Architects.
The Forensic Medicine & Coroners Court Complex is an example of how quality architecture can benefit everyone, as it provides a positive experience for both staff and visitors through innovative design detail.
