Populous plan for Indian City Olympic bid

Article posted by Coliseum, July 19^th, 2023

Image: Jama Masjid Ahmedabad, Zarnesh Kanojia, CC BY-SA 4.0

To strengthen Ahmedabad’s (Gujarat, India) bid to showcase the grandest display of human athleticism, the City’s apex planning body has entrusted the preparation for the strategic master plan for the Olympics 2036 to an Australian firm Brisbane-based Populous, top sources said.

‘THE TIMES OF INDIA’ stated that the Populous is a renowned architecture and design company specializing in creating sports, entertainment and culture venues and events.

Kansas City, Missouri (US)-based Populous is a global architectural and design practise specializing in sports facilities, arenas and convention centers, as well as the planning and design of major special events. Populous has its Asia Pacific headquarters in Brisbane, Australia.

Populous was created through a management buyout in January 2009, becoming independently owned and operated. It is reported to be one of the largest architecture firms in the world.

Christopher Lee, Managing Director, EMEA, Populous, UK, is a Member of Coliseum – Global Sports Venue Alliance.

The 2036 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXVI Olympiad, is a forthcoming international multisport event.

‘THE TIMES OF INDIA’ further stated that surveyors from the firm have already commenced their work, marking boundaries across eight significant areas, including Motera, Koteshwar, Bhat, and the surrounding regions of Sughad, Chandkheda, Zundal, and Koba (all in and around Ahmedabad, India).

Revealed a senior official from the Urban Development Department (UDD), “Over the past 15 days, the teams have carried out survey work, laying the foundation for the master plan. The strategic master plan takes into account the long-term development of the City, ensuring the optimal utilization of the existing or temporary infrastructure. Transport, accommodation, security, media services, and other supporting facilities will also be key considerations in the plan, enhancing the overall experience for athletes, spectators, officials, and visitors.”

The master plan is usually developed by the Host City in consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other relevant bodies.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-Governmental sports organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is constituted in the form of an association under the Swiss Civil Code.

The official further explained, “The goal is to align with the IOC’s New Norm reforms, which promote affordability, flexibility and sustainability for future hosts. With extensive experience in designing and delivering major sports events, including 13 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as seven FIFA World Cups TM, Populous brings a wealth of expertise to the project.”

The firm’s notable projects include the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, where they developed the master plan and the main stadium, as well as several other venues. They were also part of the bid team for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, contributing to the master plan and venue strategy. In the Sochi (Russia) 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Populous designed the 45,994-capacity Fisht Olympic Stadium and created the master plan for the Olympic Park, encompassing six ice venues, a media center and an Olympic village.

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