New South Wales
Before the 2000 Olympic games, I remember visiting Sydney Olympic Park aquatic centre, with my school aged children, arriving at Concord West Station, then promenading through Bicentennial Park. On the day of our first visit to Olympic Park Station, I was full of excitement and anticipation. Sydney and Australia at that time, didn’t have railway station “boom” moments associated with station design, nothing to compare with Circular Quay and Milsons Point stations, as memorable places of arrival.
Olympic Park Station has this and more. The transition from the tunnel to the light bathed subterranean platform is wonderful. The gentle and captivating introduction of light interspersed along the length of the roof canopy companioned with light from the sides along the street edges is lovely.
Sydney Olympic Park Station is an enduring illustration of public architecture having a symbolic, functional and generative role in its urban context. Initially the arrival place to the Sydney Olympic Games, the station has become pivotal to the diverse uses and urban character of Sydney Olympic Park.
The initial design brief to accommodate high traveller volumes, is well resolved through station planning and operational management. Sequentially sized spaces, managed pathways, ramps, and lift access deliver large crowds comfortably to and from the station. Glass lifts and wide, long ramps assist in CPTED, equity and universal access.
The concrete and steel structure is refined in its design and execution and has weathered well. This is an enduring piece of well detailed architecture.
The design parti of a canopy roof over a subterranean station connects all levels with light, air and views. Arrival from the tunnel into the space is inspirational. The spatial sequence from station to Olympic facilities is ceremonial. Lines of sight from one end of the station to the other connect the pedestrian to spaces beyond, dissolving the distinction between station object and surrounding urban spaces.
Sydney Olympic Park Station celebrates a memorable cultural event and endures as an exemplar of generative urban architecture.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
