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Case Study: Designing for People – How Murdoch Square Delivers Social Value

Interview with Ben Rees, Principal, Hassell

To explore how architecture can generate social value, Jo Wilson met with Ben Rees, Principal at Hassell, to discuss Murdoch Square, a project designed with people at its core.

Hassell’s purpose is to create a better future by designing the world’s best places – places people love, and according to Ben, Murdoch Square is a strong example of how that purpose comes to life.

“When we talk about social value in architecture, it really comes down to people,” Ben said. “We design buildings, places and infrastructure to improve the quality of life. This can be described as a positive impact or benefit generated for society by focusing on addressing societal challenges, promoting wellbeing, and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities.”

Q: As an architect, what key factors do you consider to ensure a project like Murdoch Square delivers long-term benefits for the community?

Ultimately, it’s about how people feel in a space, how they access and use its amenities. How do they connect with each other? With nature? These elements all influence long-term wellbeing and social outcomes.

It starts with asking questions and doing the research. What is the brief asking? Can we challenge the design guidelines? And how does the project fit into the broader context and leave a legacy? 

In this case, the brief evolved, but credit to Hesperia and Aegis Health, the mix of uses is genuinely innovative. It shows how mixed-use communities and health precincts can evolve.

Q: Can you share any specific features or spaces within the precinct that were designed to promote social connection and inclusion?

Murdoch Square is part of the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, within walking distance of public transport, major hospitals, and nature reserves. The key question was how to connect this new development into the surrounding area.

We worked with Hesperia to rethink the original plan, which had three separate lots with podiums and setback towers. Instead, we asked: Can we break the rules and treat it as one site? Push buildings to the edge and open up the centre?

In doing so, it allowed us to create a large central public plaza. With all parking underground, the space became fully pedestrianised, with mature trees and native plants, accessible, open and welcoming. It’s the kind of space that fosters genuine connection.

Q: Has anything surprised you about how the space is being used, or how people are responding to it since completion?

This is an example of density done well. There’s a lot of built form, but it’s arranged to protect people from wind and freeway noise, while offering a balance of sun and shade.

The plaza is the heart of the site, but there are also semi-private terraces and outdoor spaces, for mental health, functions and childcare users. Around half the site remains functional outdoor space with greenery and public art. There are long and short views throughout, so people never feel boxed in.

What’s been personally uplifting is seeing the vision come to life. A major goal was to create amenity not just for the site but for nearby workers, such as those from Fiona Stanley Hospital. We’ve seen people in scrubs gathering over lunch or coffee. That was the aim: to offer spaces for quiet reflection or social connection.

People in wheelchairs are enjoying the fresh air, seniors walk with their families, and even outdoor therapy sessions take place. The success of the hotel has been incredible. It shows the importance of providing quality short stay accommodation close to health and aged care facilities so families can be near their loved ones.

Q: Looking back on the Murdoch project, what have been the key takeaways that may shape how you approach future developments?

This project reinforced the value of challenging the brief to unlock potential.

A key takeaway is the importance of a shared vision. When clients, consultants and designers are aligned, you’re more likely to create something lasting.

It also deepened my passion for high-performance buildings and going beyond minimum standards. It’s not always easy but globally, it’s where we need to head.

None of this would have been possible without the bravery of Hesperia and Aegis Health. The project had its challenges, but staying the course through honest conversations made it possible to deliver something of real value.

In the end, it wasn’t just about delivering a development, it was about creating a place that genuinely serves the community.