Optus Stadium takes out prestigious 2019 IOC IPC IAKS Architecture Prize
The winners of the 2019 International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IOC IPC IAKS) Architecture Prizes have been announced, with Optus Stadium taking out the 2019 IOC IAKS Award in Silver and the IPC IAKS Distinction.
The IOC IAKS Award and the IPC IAKS Distinction are the most important international architecture prizes for sports, leisure and recreational facilities. Awarded every two years since 1987, the IOC IAKS Award commends sports and leisure facilities of exemplary design and function. The prizes consist of three competitions, awarding bronze, silver and gold medals.
Together with the International Paralympic Committee, the IAKS also awarded the IPC IAKS Distinction for sports and leisure facilities suitable for persons with a disability. IOC, IPC and IAKS are committed to advocating for excellence in the visioning, design and operation of fully inclusive and universally accessible indoor and outdoor facilities. Identifying and promoting trends for transforming communities and urban areas into places of active living is at the core of this international competition.
The IOC IAKS Award brings to public attention exemplary buildings and complexes that integrate sensible sustainability and legacy considerations, strong functional planning and exceptional architectural design.
The IPC IAKS Distinction for Accessibility aims at increasing the accessibility of all sports and leisure facilities and architectural structures in order to offer all people opportunities to practise and view sport freely and without barriers.
Optus Stadium, a collaboration between HASSELL, COX and HKS, was the standout sporting stadium in a total of 98 submitted projects from 31 countries.
HASSELL Principal, Peter Dean said that winning these awards reflects the success of having a shared client vision in delivering a fans-first stadium, and creating 365 day experience that has redefined Perth.
HASSELL Principal, Peter Dean
Optus Stadium is a landmark project that successfully changed the way fans experience sporting and entertainments events. This international award is a testament to the hard work of our design team, our project partners, and our talented collaborators from the Whadjuk indigenous community, who worked diligently on creating something truly spectacular.
All award winners came together at the international IAKS Congress and FSB trade show in Cologne, Germany, on 5 November 2019 for the Awards Gala Event.
This is the tenth award Optus Stadium has received following international recognition including 2019 Prix Versailles – World Title – Sports, 2019 Good Design Award – Gold Winner – Architectural Design: Commercial and Residential, 2018 Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards – National Award – Public Architecture, and 2018 Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards – The COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture.
COX Sports Director Alastair Richardson said this award recognises the clear vision and strength of collaboration between the joint venture design partners, client, and the State Government of Western Australia.
COX Sports Director, Alastair Richardson
These awards reflect the collaborative work that occurred between the design team and the State Government in considering all fans for the stadium and their needs to be a truly inclusive fans first outcome.
More information on the international IAKS Congress can be found here.