Cultural and inclusive design

Engagement began in 2018 during the initial project planning and continued throughout all phases of the redevelopment project. The project's consumer representative group, Aboriginal working group, clinicians and staff worked together to inform the design and optimise both the clinical and patient experience. 

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) collaborated with Brooke Rigney-Lively, a local Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri artist, to create a unique artwork for the Kangkanthi building. Titled 'Healing Country' Brooke's artwork shares a story about different stages of life and traditional Kaurna customs and how these connect with health and wellness. Brooke’s artwork is about the integral nature of connection to culture, kinship and Country.

This artwork is displayed in the entrance lobby on the ground floor and elements of the piece can be seen throughout the building. It is also the feature of the community art showcased along the ambulance privacy screen at the front of the Kangkanthi building.

Landscape photography has been commissioned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander photographers to provide a connection to country. Over 30 large scale photographs have been installed throughout the building, displaying different landscapes, plants and animals from across South Australia.

Each photograph includes information on the location and photographer.

Kaurna language is being used throughout the Kangkanthi building to provide cultural connection, recognition and learning. The selection of the Kaurna words and their meanings have been developed through extensive engagement with Kaurna Elders, community leaders and consumers.

Within the Emergency Department

Wardlipari is the name of the Safe Assessment Unit. Wardlipari is the Kaurna name for The Milky Way. In Kaurna culture, the stars are the campfires of the ancestors’ homes.

Yartapuulti is the name of the Emergency Extended Care Unit. This is the name that the Kaurna gave to the land around the Port River and is also means place of sleep or rest. It connects to stories about their ancestors, the birds migrating to the region, and fish of the mangroves.

Rehabilitation units

Tarnma Rehabilitation Unit is on level 3. Tarnma means Banksia. The banksia plant is an important cultural species providing materials, food, fire torch and medicine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Banksia can symbolise purity and is often used to filter water and medicinally to treat sore throats.

Karra Rehabilitation Unit is on level 4 and is the Kaurna word for Red Gum. Red gum trees are an important cultural species providing shelter, materials, food, and medicine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Staff meeting rooms

Kaurna Totems were also selected to name staff meeting rooms throughout the building.

• Kardi — emu
• Yampu — dolphin
• Kuula — koala
• Kurraka — magpie
• Pirlta — brush-tailed possum
• Tarnta — male red kangaroo
• Yaltu — pelican
• Wartu — wombat.

Landscaped outdoor spaces have been incorporated into the Kangkanthi building to maximise access to fresh air. Where access to the outdoors is not possible, areas have been designed to allow access to natural light.

Outdoor spaces for patients and staff in the Kangkanthi building include:

• level 1 ICU terrace with medical gases and emergency response ability
• level 3 rehabilitation unit terrace
• level 4 rehabilitation unit terrace
• ground floor atrium for staff.