From childhood dreams to Olympic realities: Designing the future of the Brisbane Olympics
David with his childhood basketball team.
Authors
As a child, shooting hoops on the driveway, I dreamt of representing my country in the Olympics, playing on the world stage. The thrill of the game, the roar of the crowd and sinking the basket to win a gold medal were dreams that, unfortunately, did not match my ball skills—but tell that to my seven-year-old self. While my path has taken a different turn (and my Dad’s (pictured) glorious 80s "mo" is no longer), my love for the Olympics has only grown stronger. Today, as Cundall’s Australian Managing Director, I see the Brisbane Olympics as an incredible opportunity to create unforgettable experiences for millions of viewers, while also making a positive impact on our environment and leaving a lasting legacy for the city I call home. Being part of that is my new Olympic dream.
The Brisbane Olympics' goal of achieving a 6-Star Green Star rating for new or significantly upgraded venues will serve as the guiding framework to ensure the design aspiration is achieved. I want to create spaces that are not only functional and visually stunning but also match the Olympic standard in sustainable resilient design. The latest release of Green Star Buildings, has a 6 Star rating which has set a new benchmark for world-leading sustainable buildings. With Cundall’s extensive experience in Green Star projects, we will use this rating as a tool to push beyond a tick-box exercise and achieve globally leading examples of sustainability.
Cundall’s global expertise in designing sports venues, is well-established, having worked Olympic projects such as the Rio 2016 and London 2012 white water courses and the Olympic broadcast centre. These projects have equipped us with the knowledge and skills to create world-class venues that meet the highest standards, and I can connect that knowledge to our local Queensland team.
Building an Olympic village is not just about the sports venues, or even where athletes train, sleep and eat. We need to think holistically about the constant movement of crowds and everything that interconnects one venue to the next. Our structural engineers have pioneered the use of parametric modelling to design complex pedestrian bridges, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This innovative approach will be instrumental in creating iconic and efficient infrastructure for the Brisbane Olympics.
Over the course of the Games, Brisbane will become home to more than 10,000 athletes and team officials and more than 5000 for the Paralympic Games. Planning for this temporary influx of people must be driven by long-term thinking. Our experience in creating affordable housing with high environmental standards has shown us the profound impact that well-designed living spaces can have on health and wellbeing. We see a unique opportunity to apply this knowledge to the Olympic villages, helping to address the housing shortage long after the Olympic flame has moved on to its next venue.
Consideration for the local wildlife, the neighbouring residents and the close proximity of the airport emphasised the importance of ensuring the light was directed to only where it was needed.
By designing multi-purpose venues and integrating them into the urban fabric of Brisbane, we can create spaces that will continue to benefit the city for years to come. These venues can host local sports events, community gatherings, and cultural activities, fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents, and fuelling the next generation of kids dreaming of their Olympic debut.
So, while I may not be wearing the gold and green outfit and waving to the fans, I am ready to contribute to a world-class sporting competition here in Australia.
