Presented by SAHMRI
Reviewed 31 July 2015
The new SAHMRI structure, otherwise known by Adelaide locals as the “cheese grater” or the “beehive”, is currently providing interactive tours for the public as a way of building a connection with the community, while creating a greater understanding about the important 
research the institute carries out. The tours also allow the public to get an insider’s look at the spectacular contemporary architecture and award-winning design that is part of Adelaide’s $3 billion-plus health and biomedical precinct on North Terrace.
The tour takes you through the state of the art interiors of the atrium, plaza and spiral staircase, as well as viewings of the open space, high tech research laboratories. The building was purposely designed to create an open environment that encourages a high level of interaction between departments and individual scientists. The interior openness is especially prominent in the plaza, a glistening white expanse of lightness which is complemented by spectacular views of North Adelaide through the triangulated dia-grid glass and steel wall towering above.
The groups are small, with the tours limited to 20 people, allowing you to experience the building and listen to the tour leader with ease, instead of being jostled by bumping shoulders and struggling to hear. As a tour it is truly interactive with the trained guide interpreting complex medical information into laymen’s terms, whilst encouraging questions or comments throughout the tour.
SAHMRI’s world-leading research focuses on seven main areas; Aboriginal Health; Cancer; Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children; Heart Health; Infection and Immunity; Mind and Brain; Nutrition and Metabolism. If you’re lucky you may get some time with one of SAHMRI’s leading researchers in one of these areas, which is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who is a world class expert in their field. As all these areas of research are not simple to understand, it helps having an expert explain clearly and simply about what the research actually encompasses.
SAHMRI’s flagship research facility has been incredibly engineered and designed, and holds such important medical research that South Australians should make an effort to experience it. The tour cleverly merges an interest in medical research with a thirst for modern and energy-efficient design and architecture. I highly recommend these public tours as an interesting and explorative way to spend your Friday morning or afternoon.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Venue: SAHMRI, North Terrace, Adelaide
Season: 1 July – 18 December 2015
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: Free
Bookings: Book online at https://www.sahmri.com/participate/sahmri-public-tours
More News
