Ariake Gymnastics Centre
An alliance of local and global architects wants to bring sustainable timber design to the Brisbane Olympics and fresh, local eyes to Olympic venue design in south-east Queensland. Source: Timberbiz
Australian design practice Buchan has spearheaded the alliance, joining forces with Japanese firm Nikken Sekkei and international sports architects HKS, two of the largest design firms in the world. All have strong ties to Brisbane.
Buchan and Nikken Sekkei’s relationship goes back many years, with the Japanese firm currently delivering Buchan’s design for the Australian Pavilion for World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The Queensland Government is a Gold Partner of the Australia Pavilion.
Ariake Gymnastics Centre
Buchan’s Brisbane-based Principal and Precincts Sector Lead, Phil Schoutrop, says Buchan and Nikken Sekkei have shared aspirations for the people of Brisbane.
“The 2032 Olympic venues, and the spaces in between, need to capture our communal spirit and not end up being generic places that could be anywhere. Buchan’s extensive local knowledge pairs well with Nikken Sekkei’s sustainable design expertise to amplify what makes Brisbane unique.”
With Japan being Queensland’s strongest trading partner, the alliance wants more people from the land of the rising sun, and around the world, to love Brisbane’s relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The Japanese architects have a Wood Lab dedicated to the research, design, and delivery of sustainable timber buildings. An example is the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, the gymnastics venue for the Tokyo Games. Miyakawa was Principal Architect on the award-winning building, which was converted into a permanent exhibition hall after the Games. It features one of the largest timber roof spans in the world.
“Timber is a beautiful material that resonates with Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate and local architecture,” says Miyakawa, noting that the classic “Queenslander” house has a lot in common with traditional timber homes in Japan.
