Client: Charles Sturt University
Location: NSW, Australia
Project Type: Clinical Facility Upgrade | Electrical & Lighting Systems Remediation
Project Value: $15.7m
Project Duration: 2014
Role: Program Leadership, Design Coordination & Delivery
Strategic Objective
Following the construction of a first‑class dentistry school, Charles Sturt University identified growing issues with the electrical and lighting systems that were directly affecting teaching quality and clinical outcomes.
In dentistry—and particularly in clinical and operating environments—lighting quality and colour temperature are critical. As the lighting systems aged, colour temperature drifted outside acceptable ranges, creating challenges for students and clinicians where colour accuracy is essential.
The objective was to restore clinical‑grade lighting performance, correct electrical system issues, and deliver a future‑ready solution—without disrupting teaching, clinical sessions, or daily operations.
The Challenge / Need
The project presented a mix of technical, clinical, and operational complexity:
- Ageing lighting systems exhibiting unacceptable colour temperature shift
- Electrical system deficiencies affecting reliability and performance
- High sensitivity to lighting quality in a medical teaching environment
- An occupied, fully operational facility with no tolerance for downtime
- Multiple stakeholder groups requiring approval and confidence in the solution
- The need to complete works during normal business hours without functional impact
This was not simply a lighting upgrade—it was a clinical performance correction in a live educational environment.
Project Scope
The engagement encompassed program planning, design coordination, and execution oversight, including:
- Review of existing electrical and lighting systems
- Design and delivery of a clinically appropriate lighting upgrade
- Development of the execution and program plans for client approval
- Departmental reviews and stakeholder sign‑off on operational impacts
- Delivery of works with zero disruption to teaching and clinical use
Our Approach
Qfactor, working with Qcubed, adopted a clinically informed, stakeholder‑centric delivery model.
Key elements included:
- Design Coordination: Working with the nominated architect, specialist engineering firms, and technology providers to develop a lighting solution aligned to clinical requirements
- Clinical Performance Focus: Selection and configuration of lighting systems to maintain stable, appropriate colour temperature for dental training and procedures
- Governance & Approvals: Structured engagement with departmental and stakeholder groups to validate practical implementation and operational impacts
- Execution Planning: Development of a detailed execution plan and overall program plan for client review and approval
- Stakeholder Management: Direct engagement with 104 staff members to ensure transparency, confidence, and uninterrupted operations
- Business‑Hours Delivery: Sequencing works to occur entirely within normal operating hours
The intent was to correct performance issues without the users ever feeling the change as disruption.
Risks and Challenges
Key risks managed included:
- Disruption to clinical teaching and student learning
- Inadequate lighting performance if colour temperature was not correctly specified and controlled
- Stakeholder resistance to works in a sensitive educational environment
- Interface risk between new lighting systems and existing electrical infrastructure
These risks were mitigated through early engagement, clinical‑grade specification, and disciplined execution planning.
Solution & Key Deliverables
The project delivered:
- A fully upgraded clinical‑appropriate lighting system with stable, correct colour temperature
- Resolution of underlying electrical system issues affecting performance
- Approved execution and program plans aligned with University governance
- Seamless implementation during normal business hours
- Commissioning and verification of lighting performance
- Full operational acceptance across academic and clinical stakeholders
Delivery & Safety Performance
The project was completed with:
- ~4,000 work hours
- Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI)
- Zero First Aid Incidents (FAI)
This outcome reflected low‑impact execution in an occupied clinical facility.
Outcome
The project:
- Restored lighting quality critical to dental education and clinical accuracy
- Eliminated colour temperature issues impacting teaching and assessment
- Improved reliability of electrical and lighting systems
- Maintained uninterrupted facility operations throughout delivery
- Achieved full stakeholder confidence and acceptance
Charles Sturt University regained a clinically reliable, future‑ready dentistry teaching environment—without operational compromise.
Delivery Team & Stakeholder Ecosystem
Design & Advisory
- Client‑assigned architectural consultancy
- Specialist technology consultancies
- Engineering (Mechanical & Electrical)
- Lighting, Solar, and IT consultancies
- Network & Network Security specialists
- Interior designer
Construction & Implementation
- 1 × Project Manager
- 1 × Construction Manager
- Demolition contractor
- Fit‑out contractor
- 5 × Functional contractors (including IT and network specialists)
- Evacuation systems suppliers
- Compliance service contractors
- Electrical contractor
- 1 × Quality Manager
- Commissioning team
Value‑Added Differentiator
- Clinical‑Grade Thinking: Lighting designed for medical accuracy, not aesthetics
- Stakeholder Sensitivity: 104 staff engaged to ensure zero disruption
- Integrated Design Leadership: Architecture, engineering, and technology aligned
- Live‑Environment Execution: Works completed entirely in business hours
- Governance Discipline: Clear approvals, planning, and commissioning
For more visit our affiliate Qfactor Performance Consulting
