Populous and Stewart Architecture have been appointed to deliver the reference design and design brief for the most significant update of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra since it opened in 1981, more than four decades ago.
The two architecture firms will be joined by Ngurra Advisory, guiding Indigenous consultation, and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, responsible for the landscape design.
The AIS Podium Project, commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), involves the construction of three new buildings for use by athletes training for Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as other world championship events. The project includes a multi-storey accommodation building for more than 200 athletes, an indoor sports dome for all-weather training, and a high performance training and testing centre to be established at the 163-acre campus in Canberra’s northern suburb of Bruce.
According to a communique from the architects, the brief from ASC calls for buildings that meet high environmental standards, use passive design strategies and allow for future adaptability.
Practice principal of Stewart Architecture Marcus Graham said the firms’ aim is to deliver inclusive, efficient facilities that work together as a cohesive campus. The communique notes that the campus will be designed to accommodate users of all ages and abilities, from young to mature athletes, along with coaches and support staff.
Aside from an upgrade to the multipurpose AIS Arena in 2024, the campus has seen little change since it was first built. Director and senior principal at Populous Al Baxter noted that when the AIS first opened in the 1980s, it set a global benchmark for high-performance sport.
“The model was replicated by countries around the world … As we head to the Brisbane Games in 2032, these works will ensure a new legacy and long-term value for Australia and its athletes,” said Baxter.
The reference design and design brief are expected to be finalised in 2025, with the infrastructure anticipated to be delivered in time for key sporting events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Brisbane 2032.
The final design will be shaped by consultation with athletes and will require approval from the National Capital Authority.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
