Beyond the Traditional Stadium: Strengthening the Relationship Between the Stadium and the City
Researcher
Robert McKay
Published
06 Mar 2025
Funding
Alastair Swayn Internship
Canberra is at a pivotal point in time when considering the future of the city’s sports infrastructure.
Canberra is at a pivotal moment in shaping its sports infrastructure, with stadia playing a key role in sports, innovation, and culture. While stadiums generate revenue and community engagement, their benefits are often limited to event days, leaving them as underutilised urban voids.
This research challenges the conventional view of stadia as single-purpose spaces, exploring how hybrid stadium adaptations can foster a stronger connection with the city. By examining the potential for 24-hour functionality, this study aims to inform government and built environment professionals on designing multi-use stadiums that enhance Canberra’s urban landscape.
Through case studies and interviews, this research proposes three hybrid stadium models to combat placelessness, applied to two potential Canberra sites.
The Alastair Swayn Internship 2024: a joint initiative between the Alastair Swayn Foundation, the ACT Government and the University of Canberra
