30 April 2024
Consortium urges Government to put design at heart of 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
A consortium of the top four architecture, landscape, planning and design institutes, representing more than 25,000 professionals nationally, is calling on the Queensland Government to establish a Design Coordination Unit for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to secure long-lasting benefits for the community.
The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), and Design Institute of Australia (DIA) have joined forces to offer their vast experience to the Games Partners to ensure the Brisbane 2023 Olympic and Paralympic Games has coordinated planning and design that benefits all Queenslanders.
Consortium spokesperson Tessa Leggo said the consortium is calling on the Queensland Government to set up a Design Coordination Unit within the office of the Queensland Government Architect, like that used by the highly successful Sydney 2000 Olympics headed up by the NSW Government Architect at that time.
“The Design Coordination Unit would be responsible for coordinating and integrating design and place outcomes for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The Unit would call upon the current Queensland Government’s Design and Urban Places Panel for advice and collaboration. It would also work closely with all Games Partners including the State Government, Local Governments and the independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority,” Ms Leggo said.
“Timing is imminent given the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced into the Queensland Parliament earlier this month and, once passed, is due to set up the new independent Games Authority as a statutory body by mid-year.”
“This is an amazing opportunity for South East Queensland. It’s too late to bring in the coordinating designers after the Venues' planning has been decided; they should be included now to maximise benefits,” Ms Leggo said. “Professional architects, landscape architects, planners, and designers are ready to contribute their vast expertise to make Brisbane 2032 a success.
The consortium today launched Green Pathways Gold Places which calls on the Queensland Government to action four priorities for the benefit of the Games and its legacy for South East Queensland.
“The establishment of the Design Coordination Unit is the first priority as it will lead the other priorities, including a vitally important Green Grid to link the Games venues to public spaces, which will mean a healthier city for everyone to enjoy,” Ms Leggo said.
“A Green Grid would be a planned network of new open spaces for Queenslanders, expanding and enhancing our parks, creeks, greenspace, footpaths and cycle ways. The health and wellbeing benefits of a Green Grid are well documented and would make Brisbane 2032 the envy of the world and leave a lasting, liveable legacy.”
“We also see opportunities to ensure venues are designed and delivered in ways that integrate effectively into the broader precinct and place in which they are located, ensuring we get great connections and real legacy,” she said.
Institutes in the consortium:
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) represent over 14,500 members nationally and internationally, and is committed to raising design standards and positively shaping the places where we live, work and meet. Along with our members, we are dedicated to improving our built environment and the communities we call home by promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design and advocating on behalf of the profession for the benefit of all Australians.
AIA Queensland President Russell Hall said: “The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are unique - being hosted across multiple venues and sites in SEQ and Queensland - rather than the traditional approach of a consolidated Olympics park or precinct. For Brisbane 2032: the ‘cities’ are the venue.”
Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) is the peak national body for Landscape Architecture. AILA champions quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities, and greater environmental stewardship. With over 3,500 members, we anticipate and develop a leading position on issues of concern in the industry.
AILA Queensland Vice President Glen Power said: “We know the individual infrastructure projects are expected to feature high quality design outcomes, yet the legacy relies on quality urban and landscape design across the precincts and in the connections between them. This stitching together is critical and should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a cost.”
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the peak professional body representing town planners across Australia. PIA currently represents more than 5,500 members nationally and connects with more than 10,000 planners annually through events and advocacy. PIA’s mission is to champion the role of good planning in shaping Australia's future.
PIA Queensland President Sean Cullen said: “Ensuring the community benefits from tangible, positive change – like enhanced connectivity, investing in a green grid, and a step-change in place governance – will be vital to building and maintaining confidence and trust in the lead up to the Games.”
Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is Australia’s peak industry body for professional designers and represents Australian design and 2,200 designers both domestically and internationally. The DIA enables Australian designers by providing knowledge, thought leadership, access and inclusivity. The DIA advocates for designer issues and lead stakeholder initiatives that leverage designers’ voices and elevate their contributions.
DIA Queensland Chair Daniel Spat said: “Good design of the in-between spaces and wider precincts of venues will make for an amazing experience for spectators, athletes, and media during the weeks of the Games, as well as importantly delivering the long-lasting legacy benefits for residents and visitors to Brisbane, SEQ and Queensland well into the future.”
Media contact:
Nicole Bennetts
0420 241 163
nicole.bennetts@planning.org.au