The Queensland government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for the design of four of the new and upgraded sporting venues that will be delivered as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The “pre-construction design work” sought by the government relates to proposed indoor sports centres at Moreton Bay and Logan, and stadium upgrades at the Sunshine Coast and at Barlow Park in Cairns.
According to the government’s communique, the EOI process is intended to provide “government and industry the chance to create a world-class event with generational benefits for locals,” that also “attract[s] national and global audiences.”
Their release notes, “The Queensland government is pleased to be partnering with industry in delivering a games that will make all Queenslanders proud of our state and ensure we all share in a once-in-a-lifetime legacy.”
Meanwhile, in response to the government’s plan for the games’ infrastructure, the Australian Institute of Architects has urged the government to employ architectural expertise in project governance to avoid “critical risks” facing the games’ delivery, including “cost blowouts and poor operational performance.”
Their submission to the state government comprises five key recommendations, which, in the Institute’s words, are to:
1. Embed in-house senior architectural expertise in project governance and delivery:
Architects experienced in complex project delivery are urgently needed at the highest governance levels, including GIICA Board, senior management, government directorates and advisory panels. Include in-house heritage and environmental expertise, especially for sensitive precincts like Victoria Park.
2. Empower and expand the Office of the State Government Architect:
Ensure this office leads procurement strategy, brief development, design integrity and governance, based on successful Sydney 2000 models. It must be significantly resourced to fulfil this expanded role.
3. Procure based on value, not lowest cost:
Prioritise high-performing, multidisciplinary teams accountable to client outcomes.
4. Invest in early phases:
Allocate time and funding to detailed briefing, site planning and iterative design to reduce downstream risks and cost blowouts.
5. Establish an Olympics Design Integrity Panel:
A multidisciplinary, independent panel should oversee design quality and alignment with Games objectives from procurement through to delivery.
Queensland Chapter president Caroline Stalker said, “Without immediate action to embed design expertise and governance, we risk repeating the mistakes of past Olympic hosts who were left with cost overruns and poor legacy outcomes.”
According to Stalker, “Architects can play a pivotal role in assisting government to navigate delivery challenges. We are uniquely equipped to support cost-effective delivery, ensure long-term functionality and achieve the games’ legacy ambitions.”
“As momentum builds, we urge the government to move quickly, but not at the expense of quality, functionality or value. Rushed processes often result in inefficiencies, design errors and costly variations,” Stalker said.
The EOI for principal design consultants to deliver the aforementioned Olympic venues can be accessed online and the EOI period is open until 24 July.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
