International design firm MODE was enlisted to deliver three venues for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
These include the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Nerang Mountain Bike Trails and associated amenities, as well as the upgrade to Belmont Shooting Centre for both the Commonwealth games and for future use by the community and visitors.
According to MODE, the aim was to deliver modern, relevant designs, which meet international sporting standards and promote community accessibility.
The firm’s Gold Coast Studio Manager, Francis Greenman, said it was important to address community opportunity and inclusion through design on an international scale.
“The methodology behind our design approach focused on more than just the tangible end products,” she says.
“Consideration of the way in which these three sporting facilities will bring people together during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and ensuring that they are able to cater for large-scale attendance and events beyond the Commonwealth Games, were strong determinants in the design of these projects.”
GOLD COAST HOCKEY CENTRE
Image: MODE
Image: MODE
The vision for the recently-completed Gold Coast Hockey Centre was to establish the facility as an effective hockey competition and training venue. The integration and amenity of the Hockey Centre within the greater precinct was also important.
The upgrade to the existing clubhouse facilities included the refurbishment of the clubroom, meeting rooms, amenities, player change rooms, kitchen and cafeteria, as well as player dug-out areas and umpiring facilities. According to MODE, carefully considered architectural planning allowed for the seamless flow of spectators and players between the club house, pitches and other facilities which make up the complex.
Currently being used by the local community, the Hockey Centre features two pitches with world class synthetic playing surfaces. For peak playing conditions, these are required to be irrigated, achieved using rain water harvested from the roof. Solar power provides electricity and hot water to the buildings.
BELMONT SHOOTING CENTRE
Image: MODE
The Belmont Shooting Centre will host the shooting competition during the Commonwealth Games. It is home to several sports shooting clubs including Queensland Rifle Association and the Mount Petrie Bowmen.
“MODE is currently working with DSD to incorporate additional facilities for legacy use post 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” says Greenman.
“Safety and environmental considerations have been, and continue to be, paramount in the design development of this project.”
NERANG MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Image: MODE
The upgrade to the Nerang Mountain Bike Trails included the master planning of new mountain bike trails and the upgrade of the existing trails within Nerang National Park.
“MODE’s design team worked with the specialist trail design team to sensitively integrate the trails within the National Park,” says Greenman.
“MODE also designed the refurbishment and the additions to the existing facilities at the adjacent Gold Coast Cycle Centre, making them equally accessible to all users and spectators.”
