Exploring the challenge

Gateway to the Olympic site, the Olympic Park Station handled
an estimated 80% of the 1.2 million people attending the 2000 Olympic Games. The brief for the station called for the creation
of a world-class venue that could comfortably accommodate up
to 50,000 patrons safely, efficiently and comfortably during times
of peak movement.

The Olympic Coordination Authority’s (OCA) public access
policy had a strong impact on the design, as did the extensive environmental agenda adopted for the Games. Its architectural expression needed to be compatible with the surrounding precinct and provide a seamless integration with the public domain.

Consideration was also given to the subsequent uses of the site, when the site would revert to a modest through-put station between major events.

      An individual approach

The 7,000 sqm station is a celebration of rail travel, designed
in the tradition of the great glass and iron railway stations of
the nineteenth century. Yet the response is distinctly Australian
in character, embracing qualities of openness, directness and
clarity. The design is responsive to climate, whereby the canopy,
like a veranda, provides protection from rain and sun, and access
to natural light and breezes.

The design deliberately eschews ornament. Its poetry, visual interest
and richness comes from the expression of a carefully ordered
structure and the crafted detailing of materials and junctions.

      An innovative response

The elegantly vaulted roof provides the building with a dramatic
visual presence. The generous spatial volumes enhance the sense
of arrival, proving an immediate, clear and legible connection with
the external environment.

The monolithic base is carved into the ground to embed the
platforms and retaining walls, while a lightweight, folded steel
roof, free of services, floats above. By half emerging the station,
HASSELL effectively ‘lifted the lid’ off the typical underground
station box. While the base is firmly embedded in the earth,
the canopy element hovers above. An ingenious steel vaulted concertina structure delivers an exceptionally thin and light roof, minimising the use of materials.

      Designed to be different

The station design has a clear and direct expression of structure
and function. The linear qualities of the form set it apart from
the surrounding sporting venues.

In major event mode, the station operates seamlessly to handle
up to 1,600 people every two minutes. A simple, logical and highly innovative arrangement of platforms and vertical movement systems, tested and refined through computer passenger flow modelling, ensures the easy transition of patrons to and from the station.

The station is largely indirectly lit by bouncing light from the
natural reflectors formed by the roof. This has the effect of
increasing the perceived light levels in the station and reducing
the need for artificial light.

The spectacular roof is a defining feature of the building.
Its curved leaf-like form was inspired by native gum trees, which feature prominently in the surrounding landscape. After dark,
the underside of the canopy is illuminated to signify the station
entry and highlight the sense of occasion and theatricality created
by the building at night.

      Beyond sustainability

While public transport is inherently sustainable, for the facilities serving the 2000 Olympic Games, the OCA developed one
of Australia’s first guidelines for building and public domain environmental performance. Sustainable design was a key priority
in the detailed planning of the station. Passive initiatives include increased reliance on natural light and natural ventilation, while the surrounding landscaping plants have been chosen for their low water qualities. Permeable paving has been installed throughout the
ground plane and water harvesting is incorporated for irrigation
and other on-site water uses. Where practicable, low energy fittings and recycled building materials
have been selected.

Total equity access was also demanded by the OCA, and
was achieved through all areas within and around the station.
To assist the hearing impaired, speech induction loops have
also been installed.

      Awards

1999 AILA (NSW and ACT) Awards –
Design Merit – Urban & Civic Design

1999 Australian Institute of Steel Construction (NSW)
Awards – Architectural Steel Design Award

1998 RAIA National Awards –
Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Buildings

1998 RAIA National Awards – Access Citation

1998 RAIA (NSW) Awards – Sulman Award for Public Buildings

1998 RAIA (NSW) Awards – BHP Colorbond Award
for the Innovative Use of Steel in Architecture

1998 Metal Building Awards – Award of Excellence

1998 Metal Building Awards – Award – Civil Engineering

      Publications

Architectural survey
AR Australia, no 100, 2007, p. 107

Olympic vault / by Penny McGuire
Architectural Review (London), no 1219, Sept 1998, pp. 64 – 66 

Sports training / by Tony Caro
Architecture Australia, May / June 1998, pp. 56 – 61