CobaltNiche was invited by the Australian Football League (AFL) to develop concepts for the new Carrarra Stadium, home to Queensland's Gold Coast Suns, as well as a new development for the Subiaco, WA Stadium.

Cararra

Specifically, our brief was to develop concepts for the north end of Gold Coast Stadium including creation of sponsorship opportunities and extending the seating and public areas to face both inside the arena and outside towards the picturesque Nerang River. Other objectives of the brief included:

• Incorporate a public plaza precinct alongside the Nerang River to hold stand-alone events and enhancing  community benefit for use on non-event days
• TV Broadcast arc for maximum exposure of sponsors
• Fits with the stadium design values determined by and the stadium design team.
• Features appropriate back of house and front of house facilities
• Generally limited to 20.5 metres (100 feet) in height

Solution

Applying our design process, we developed several early ideas before selecting and refining on one proposed design. This was influenced by a nautical theme and established a number of multi-purpose 'decks' able to accommodate spectators, as well as bar, restaurant and performance spaces. The natural features of the local environment inspired the nautical theme, but it also provided a strong design language to guide aesthetic and spatial details.  The Nerang river also presented a unique opportunity as a means of transport to the stadium.

A key part of this project involved commercial considerations in terms of capacities, services, sponsorship/signage and tenant (vendor) areas. The need for the space to work for 'non- major event' days was also influential. We envisaged community events as diverse as farmers markets to concerts being staged within this stadium.
 

CAD modelling and CGI (Computer Generated Imaging)

The project enabled CobaltNiche to use our expertise in complex CGI modelling. Our starting point was to interpret the architect's 2D drawings of the existing stadium structures and create virtual (3D) models using one of our sophisticated 3D modelling packages.

After initial sketch development, the design was recreated, modelled and placed into the stadium environment. Once this was done we created photo-realistic images using our high-end rendering applications.

A fly-through animation completed a compelling presentation of both stadium concepts.

Whilst these projects sit outside our normal product development expertise, the process and tools used were identical, and it provides a compelling case for CGI as a compelling communication device.