Iconic Queenslander homes inspire architects of new Brisbane Stadium
The Principal Architects for the new Brisbane Stadium have drawn inspiration from the verandahs, cooling breezes and connection to nature of our state’s much-loved Queenslander homes.
Leading Australian companies COX Architecture and Hassell, both internationally renowned, will team with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei to lead the design of an iconic and connected centrepiece Stadium in Victoria Park that will become the city’s premier sporting and entertainment venue and host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
COX is a national architecture practice of 660 employees while Hassell is a global organisation of 555 staff across Australia, Asia and Europe – the two firms having an outstanding history of success working together as anchor designers for Perth’s Optus Stadium, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval and the MCG.
Azusa Sekkei is a leading Japanese architecture firm with over 800 staff and extensive experience delivering 120 stadiums and arenas and 42 competition pools, including the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The team is also supported by two of the world’s leading engineering firms Arup and SBP who bring significant stadium experience to the design of the important roof solution.
COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei were awarded the contract after an exhaustive three-month procurement process by GIICA that began with an open market call for Expressions of Interest in September this year.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) received significant, global interest, with four teams shortlisted and extended an Invitation to Offer, submitting a highly detailed submissions to an expert panel, led by GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM and including the Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang.
The selection panel undertook comprehensive analysis and deliberation across the four impressive bids before choosing the successful team, with the global expertise, local knowledge, and practical experience of COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei finishing ahead.
The winning concept by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei is a “Queensland Response” for the new venue that embeds the Stadium into Victoria Park’s topography, nestling it within the rolling hills and taking in the sweeping views, while also maximise parklands and enhance the experience of all park users and community.
The new stadium will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Games, before becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats and a fitting home ground for local sports stars Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.
GIICA’s $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program is delivering 17 new and upgraded venues across the state and is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM chaired the Design Evaluation Panel for the selection process and complimented the quality of candidates for this important commission.
“We sought visionary design, innovation, and quality teamwork credentials when we started our selection process for the principal architect, and that is certainly what we have seen through our exhaustive deliberations,” said Mr Conry.
“The track record of COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei made them an outstanding choice as principal architect for Brisbane Stadium.
“The Games will provide an incredible opportunity for our city and our state on the world stage and the designs and approach outlined by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei will deliver an iconic Brisbane Stadium that all Queenslanders will be proud to call our own.
“The selected team possess the appropriate experience in stadium design, alongside outstanding local knowledge and placemaking expertise, plus the added global resources that will be required for a project of this significance.
“The vision created by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei is inspiring and GIICA is looking forward to bringing that vision to life.”
COX Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson said the team’s global and local expertise ensures the Stadium will be designed for performance, flexibility and community connection.
“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander,” Mr Coulson said.
“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region. It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself. With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium.
“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish – qualities that are integral to our culture.
“The ‘verandah’ qualities of the Queenslander are representative of all Queensland.”
Hassell Managing Principal Lucy O’Driscoll said the design for Brisbane Stadium will provide enduring cultural value and enjoyment for the community all year-round.
“This design goes beyond just meeting the needs of major international events by ensuring the venue can be adapted for a wide variety of sporting and cultural uses, making it a genuine asset for the whole community,” Ms O’Driscoll said.
“It will not only deliver a world-class experience for athletes and fans but provide Brisbane with a vital piece of sporting infrastructure of true global calibre – a place all Queenslanders will be proud of."
