Thomas Dixon Centre Achieves World-First Well Certification

The Thomas Dixon Centre, a transformative adaptive reuse project by Architectus Conrad Gargett, has achieved WELL Certification™ at the Platinum level—representing a world first for a performing arts organisation and heritage-listed arts facility.

The WELL Building Standard recognises spaces that advance human health and wellbeing with a people-first approach to buildings, organisations, and communities. It focuses on achieving better air quality, healthy materials, enhancing wellbeing, fostering a culture of health, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

During early project workshops, the design team, in conjunction with the State of Queensland and Queensland Ballet, identified ‘wellness’ as a core value, along with ‘art’, ‘people’ and ‘home’.

These four foundational ‘pillars’ were enacted by embodying the WELL Building Standard principles into the design and the daily life of the building, facilitating the creation of healthy spaces to support the best performance and production outcomes, as well as enhancing community engagement.

“The Thomas Dixon Centre’s social impact is significant, fostering inclusivity and wellbeing,” said Architectus Conrad Gargett Principal, David Gole.

“The new and revamped dance studios provide a platform for artistic expression, nurturing creativity within the community, while the Performance Studio Wellness Centre demonstrates a commitment to the holistic health of dancers.

“We’ve also created open production spaces that bridge the gap between artists and the public, promoting transparency and appreciation, and shared spaces including a café and function areas that act as gathering points, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.”

Spaces are highly utilised by the broader community for events and activities, with the Thomas Dixon Centre hosting regular community dance classes including Dance for Parkinson’s, Ballet for Brain Injury, Dance for Seniors, Dance for Children, and Dance and Fitness for Adults.

The revitalised building features gender-neutral bathrooms, an accessible change facility, and wheelchair seating options in the viewing room, boardroom, and theatre. Additionally, the centre offers low sensory sessions for the community, and the viewing room can be adjusted for low sensory performances.

The user experience is greatly enhanced through the connection with nature including external edible gardens, indoor planting, and terraces. Abundant natural light is also available via windows, skylights and clerestory lighting, supplemented by a circadian lighting system in select areas.

The incorporation of publicly accessible artworks, such as those by Jamie North, Judy Watson, and TeamLab, provide further opportunities for engagement outside of ballet and dance.

Sustainability initiatives in line with WELL Building Standard include hazardous waste management, removal of non-original additions and reinstatement of the heritage-listed facade, a local material palette that is distinctly Queensland, 100% fresh air management, rainwater storage and irrigation, a 71kW solar system, solar hot water, and dedicated bicycle parking to encourage physical activity.

“The achievement of WELL Certification™ at the Platinum level is a result of relentless dedication of many visionaries and partners, demonstrating our commitment to the wellbeing of all those who interact with the Thomas Dixon Centre – artists, arts workers, arts students, participants in our dance health programs, and our wider community,” said Queensland Ballet Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe.

“Not merely about architecture; it embodied a vision of wellness in the use and life of the building. This commitment embraces the entire Company, the West End community, and the Arts at large.”

The achievement of WELL Certification™ at Platinum level highlights Queensland Ballet and Architectus Conrad Gargett’s commitment to holistic wellbeing, sustainability, and community engagement. The project represents a milestone in the integration of wellness standards into the built environment, creating a legacy for future developments.

In 2023, Architectus Conrad Gargett was awarded The Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture, alongside Heritage and Public commendations at the Queensland State Architecture Awards, and a Commendation for Heritage in the National Architecture Awards.

For more information, visit architectus.com.au