The design concepts for the new National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane (Australia) have been unveiled with the leading national practices – the ARM Architecture (a creative and innovative architecture practice working around Australia) and the NH Architecture (a Melbourne [Australia]-based group of architects and designers working in a collaborative, open forum of architecture, master planning, interior, and graphic design) – partnering with Queensland’s Arkhefield (an integrated architecture and interior design practice based in Brisbane) to deliver a venue designed for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a lasting community legacy.
‘Undeniably Queensland’
The ARM Architecture Director Andrew Hayne is leading the architect partnership and said the design’s strong connection to water makes it undeniably Queensland. The world-class venue will also connect the people with Nature.
Ripped Roofline
‘GIICA’ stated that a rippled roofline reflecting wind and water, an open central concourse and a dynamic mix of community and high-performance spaces has been revealed in the first look at design concepts for the new National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in Victoria Park, Brisbane, Australia.
The new National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in Australia is a planned 25,000-seat landmark sports complex to be built at Victoria Park in Spring Hill, Brisbane, designed to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and serve as a high-performance training base afterward.
The 2032 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXV Olympiad and also known as Brisbane 2032, is a planned international multisport event scheduled to take place from July 23rd-August 8th, 2032 in Brisbane, Australia, with venues across the various regions of Queensland.
The 2032 Summer Paralympics, also known as the Brisbane 2032 Summer Paralympic Games, and branded as Brisbane 2032, will be the 19th edition of the Summer Paralympic Games, an international multisport parasports event. The Games are scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, from August 24th-September 5th, 2032.
Rigorous Selection Process
‘GIICA’ further stated that following a rigorous six‑month selection process led by an expert panel the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has appointed the ARM Architecture and the NH Architecture in partnership with the Queensland‑based Arkhefield as the Principal Architects for the project.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is an independent statutory authority established in November 2024 to lead the planning, procurement, construction, and delivery of 17 new and upgraded sporting venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sloping Landscape
Nestled into the site’s sloping landscape the multistory center is tiered down the Southern ridge to preserve the surrounding parkland while opening the building to light, breeze and greenery.
Floating Roof
A distinctive floating roof stretches across the center, its rippled form reflecting the movement of wind and water and allowing natural light and ventilation through the facility.
Elite Sporting Requirements-Community Use
Slated to host swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games the National Aquatic Centre will balance elite sporting requirements with everyday community use. The current design includes three new covered competition pools, a gym, the high-performance rooms, and the administration spaces complementing the three existing outdoor pools within the heritage‑listed Centenary Pool complex.
Outstanding Design Submissions
The GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM chaired the Design Evaluation Panel and said the quality of design submissions had been outstanding – “The opportunity to create an iconic design that showcased Australia’s obsession with swimming and aquatic sports really captured the imagination of some of the country’s most talented architecture teams and the quality of the design concepts submitted was truly impressive. The design not only complements the beauty of a restored Centenary Pool – it ensures the heritage-listed design is a centerpiece of the complex. Australia is one of the world’s great swimming nations and Queensland is the greatest swimming State with Queensland-born and based swimmers dominating pools across the world for decades. Brisbane is a fitting home for the National Aquatic Centre and will ensure we inspire the next era of swimming champions.”
‘Welcoming-Inspiring’
Added Hayne, “The Queenslanders have a real connection to the water. Whether one is chasing the Olympic gold or teaching one’s kids to swim this place should feel welcoming and inspiring from the moment one arrives. The rippling plinth and the floating roof reflect the movement of water but the design is ultimately about place. Its architecture shaped by Brisbane’s landscape, the subtropical climate and the natural environment.”
Nature-People Connect
The NH Architecture Director Emily Kilvington described the design as a world-class venue that connects the people with Nature while delivering an exceptional Games and community experience.
‘Truly Extraordinary’
The Arkhefield Founding Director Andrew Gutteridge said the project represents a transformational investment that will serve Queenslanders long after the 2032 Games have ended – “This new national venue will belong to Brisbane and the Centenary Pool will be better than ever because of it. Hosting the Olympics gives us the chance to build something truly extraordinary.”
The Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering for 2032 and beyond – “In six years’ time the Olympic and the Paralympic Games are coming to Queensland and we will be ready.”
‘Community Sport Legacy’
The Deputy Premier of Queensland Jarrod Bleijie said the project is on track – “This design trio will develop an iconic new home for the high-performance aquatic athletes as well as a legacy for community sport. This isn’t just a venue for a few weeks in 2032, it’s a lasting investment in Queensland’s future that will support the community sport, the high-performance athletes and keeping us cool for generations to come.”
The GIICA will take possession of the Centenary Pool and its surrounding areas from September 1st, 2026. The early works are expected to begin later this year with construction planned to commence in 2027 as the design development continues.
The National Aquatic Centre is one of the 17 new and upgraded venues being delivered by the GIICA as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and the Queensland Governments.
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