More than 45,000 people are expected to attend the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Beyond the sporting competition, GC2018 holds a promise of transformative legacy for creating active and inclusive communities, diversity and economic growth, and greater reconciliation for all Australians.

In accordance with this promise, Brisbane City Council (BCC) has planned to develop an artwork platform. The placement of this platform and the subsequent artwork is to add to the landmark arrival experience and give a positive first impression that encourages visitors to step inside and discover the beautiful botanical gardens.

In consultation with BCC, Urban Fountains and Furniture aesthetically designed the platform as a subdued piece of infrastructure, ensuring the gardens and artworks are the main focus. However, the detailing and finishes of the platform present an attractive stand-alone landscape item when no artwork is installed.

The platform had elements that needed to be fabricated offsite and craned into position, but the majority of the structure was completed onsite. The platform is structurally certified and engineered to allow many different artworks of size and complexity to be displayed.

The end result achieved the project’s intent. The platform sits within a garden bed of Australian native species, which complements the artworks and platform. LED lighting illuminates the platform from four sides to showcase the artworks for late-night visitors. Functionally, the design of the platform is user-friendly, low maintenance and very flexible. Permanent bolt-down locations are installed so any size artwork can be installed.

The current artwork displays were created by Jamie North in Sydney, named “Remainder No. 20 and 21”. These eroded spheres demonstrate the highly altered environments we live in today and fit seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. In addition to the artwork platform, Urban has manufactured an attribution stand that is installed with details of North’s artwork to give visitors an insight to his creation.

Urban is proud to be part of a creation that contributes to Brisbane’s cultural identity and gives visitors an opportunity to reflect while they enjoy the games.