Leading architects have two weeks to stake their claim to design the Brisbane 2032 Victoria Park stadium and new National Aquatic Centre.
Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) CEO Simon Crooks said Expressions of Interest for the Principal Architects to share their vision for the two iconic pieces of Games infrastructure opened today (September 10).
Mr Crooks said he expected the EOIs, which closed on September 24, would attract submissions from some of the most renowned architects across Australia and the world.
“Set within the stunning Victoria Park precinct, the new Stadium and Aquatic Centre will be centerpieces of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, and GIICA is seeking architects with experience delivering iconic projects to bring their bold ideas and innovation to the design of these future Brisbane landmarks,” he said.
Mr Crooks said the successful Principal Architects would partner with GIICA during the Early Contractor Involvement process for both venues.
“Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats and a concert capacity of 70,000, while the National Aquatic Centre will become the Australian HQ for aquatic sports post Games, with a permanent seating capacity of 8,000, and 25,000 in Games-mode.”
He said the successful applicants for each of the projects must be registered with the Board of Architects of Queensland, as well as mandatory registration with the Queensland Government Prequalification System (PQC) for minimum certifications in quality assurance, and design and documentation. International architects must partner with a local firm to meet requirements.
“Designing an Olympic and Paralympic Stadium, which then becomes a city’s major events centrepiece, is a rare opportunity and a project that architects everywhere dream of being part of.
“This is a truly international moment, and we must cast our net wide to get the best design complemented by cutting edge innovation in sustainability, accessibility and athlete and visitor experience.”
Mr Crooks said GIICA had already been overwhelmed with interest from architects for both the Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, and this next step allowed all those with a bold idea to come forward for formal consideration.
“The Stadium that hosts the opening and closing ceremonies is often one of the longest lasting memories for audiences and athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games so getting a visionary design is absolutely key to the entire experience.
“The National Aquatic Centre will be the forever home of our nation’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport, swimming, as well as artistic swimming, diving and water polo, so this venue represents a unique chance to reflect our obsession with water and aquatic sports.
“The Architects who are successful in this EOI process will be key partners for us during this crucial period in project development, and we are looking forward to seeing the high quality of responses we receive.”
EOIs can be submitted through GIICA’s Industry opportunities website.
