Global search for visionary architects to design new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre

The world’s leading architects are being encouraged to share their vision for the new 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Stadium and National Aquatic Centre with Expressions of Interest for the Principal Architects opening today.

Set within the stunning Victoria Park precinct, the new Stadium and Aquatic Centre will be centerpieces of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, and the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is seeking architects with experience delivering iconic projects to bring their bold ideas and innovation to the design of these future Brisbane landmarks. 

 The successful Principal Architects will partner with GIICA during the Early Contractor Involvement process for both venues.  

Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats, while the National Aquatic Centre will become the Australian HQ for aquatic sports post Games, with a permanent seating capacity of 8,000, and 25,000 in Games-mode.

The successful applicants for each of the projects must be registered with the Board of Architects of Queensland, as well as mandatory registration with the Queensland Government Prequalification System (PQC) for minimum certifications in quality assurance, and design and documentation. International architects must partner with a local firm to meet requirements. 

The EOIs will close at 5pm AEST on Wednesday, 24 September, and organisations can apply through our Industry Opportunities page.

These projects are part of the $7.1 billion 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. 

 GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said he expected the EOIs for Principal Architects for the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre to attract submissions from some of the most renowned architects across Australia and the world. 

“Designing an Olympic and Paralympic Stadium, which then becomes a city’s major events centrepiece, is a rare opportunity and a project that architects everywhere dream of being part of,” Mr Crooks said.    

“This is a truly international moment, and we must cast our net wide to get the best design complemented by cutting edge innovation in sustainability, accessibility and athlete and visitor experience.  

“We’ve already been overwhelmed with interest from architects for both the Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, and this next step allows all those with a bold idea to come forward for formal consideration.  

“The Stadium that hosts the opening and closing ceremonies is often one of the longest lasting memories for audiences and athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games so getting a visionary design is absolutely key to the entire experience.  

 “The National Aquatic Centre will be the forever home of our nation’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport, swimming.  

“The Architects who are successful in this EOI process will be key partners for us during this crucial period in project development, and we are looking forward to seeing the high quality of responses we receive.”