IOC, IPC and IAKS Awards Success for three COX projects: Queensland Country Back Stadium, Ken Rosewall Arena and Rod Laver Arena
In some truly delightful news, three COX projects have been awarded IOC, IPC and IAKS International Architecture Prizes. They are:
- Queensland Country Bank Stadium: IOC IAKS Award for innovative and sustainable sports and leisure facilities in SILVER and the IPC IAKS Distinction for Accessibility
- Rod Laver Arena: IOC IAKS Award for innovative and sustainable sports and leisure facilities in SILVER
- Ken Rosewall Arena, awarded the IPC IAKS Distinction for Accessible Facilities
At the gala event, held in Cologne Germany on 26 October 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) present the much-coveted medals for exemplary sports and leisure architecture.
Experts from the architectural world gathered to recognise facilities that push the envelope of sporting and leisure facilities. The jury had their work cut out, with 86 projects in contention from all corners of the globe. Countries included Canada, Japan, Montenegro, Peru, Syria and the USA, and of course Australia, showcasing extraordinary design and functionality.
COX have been singled out for special praise for their “extraordinary work.” In alignment with the mission of these awards, sustainability and inclusion are at the heart of our practice: we are “By the Many, For the Many”.
Project Direct for QCB, Richard Coulson said:
North Queensland has a thriving sporting culture and is passionate about their team. The project represented a significant investment by Government. The strength of the original design was held through the course of the project such that the project installs pride and identity in North Queensland well beyond the capital investment.
The Stadium used the philosophy of maximising the passive design opportunities as a basis for sustainable design. That is; build less, enclose less, and connect with the city context. Water and energy efficiency were a key driver of the design.
Accessible design was fundamental to the design approach. All stadium levels including corporate spaces and terraces are accessible, including provision for athletes with special needs.
Project Director for KRA, John Ferendinos said:
The redevelopment of Ken Rosewall Arena transformed the original facility through a unique cable stayed fabric roof. This improves thermal comfort for spectators and players, and extends the life and Olympic legacy of the venue.
The IOC IAKS Awards and the IPC IAKS Distinction are the most sought-after prizes for sports, leisure and recreational facilities. Since 1987, the architecture prizes have been presented every two years in recognition of firms and facilities for their exemplary design, function and innovation. The IOC IAKS Award brings to public attention exemplary buildings and complexes that integrate sensible sustainability and innovation, strong functional planning and exceptional architectural design.
Focusing on tomorrow, the jury has selected a significant number of sustainable projects that are in sync with the environment, an important theme in the sporting world, which also is the theme of the IAKS Congress “Developing healthy and sustainable communities”. IAKS in partnership with the IPC strongly emphasizes inclusion, and hence several projects have been given a distinction for accessibility. The projects focus on diverse aspects of well-being and active living, working towards inclusion in every sphere.
IAKS Award brings to public attention exemplary buildings and complexes that integrate sensible sustainability and innovation, strong functional planning and exceptional architectural design.
The IPC IAKS Distinction aims at increasing the accessibility of all sports and leisure facilities and architectural structures to offer all people opportunities to practise and view sport freely and without barriers.
