A 26,000-strong consortium comprising professionals from four top architecture, landscape, planning and design institutes has called upon the Queensland Government to create a Design Coordination Unit for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The consortium, which features Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), and Design Institute of Australia (DIA), believes the creation of the Unit will ensure that the entire state will benefit from outstanding design outcomes well into the future.

The plan hatched by the quartet would see the Unit established within the office of the Queensland Government Architect. A similar Unit was set up by the NSW Government in the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“The Design Coordination Unit would be responsible for coordinating and integrating design and place outcomes for the Brisbane 2032 Games,” says the consortium’s Spokeswoman, Tessa Leggo (pictured).

“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.

“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.”

Leggo describes the creation of the unit as “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,” she says.

“Professional architects, landscape architects, planners, and designers are ready to contribute their vast expertise to make Brisbane 2032 a success.

Green Pathways Gold Places, a document released by the consortium, calls upon the state government to action a number of priorities which will benefit both the Olympic Games and South East Queensland region. This includes the creation of a Green Grid, with walkable spaces and transport connections around the different venues.

“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,” Leggo continues.

“A Green Grid would be a planned network of new open spaces for Queenslanders, expanding and enhancing our parks, creeks, greenspace, footpaths and cycleways. 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.”

Jarrod Reedie

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