How does the design enrich fan experience?

Liliana:?The technology itself is convergent virtual network, which means easier operation. From a central control room, one can control the lighting, the power, the mechanicals, emergency, security, and CCTV. The stadium has 100% coverage for Wi-Fi and a distributed antenna system, providing mobile internet and communications for thousands of patrons.

Another fan-first element is the wide availability of screens so that visitors can visit food and beverage outlets and never miss a play. There are two large screens inside, another outside and over 1,000 small screens distributed throughout the building. Multifunctional, these screens display safety messages, provide information on food and beverage, deliver access and way-finding messages, player statistics, and event advertising.

What about energy usage?

Liliana:?With the scale of the building, it would be irresponsible to design without environmental impact in mind. Sustainability measures are a must. We designed the stadium with climate change, energy conservation, and recycling in mind.

It has great energy saving initiatives, with automated controls (the lighting control system has occupant sensors that switch lights on and off) with modular wiring, lots of areas of natural ventilation, some sun control, automated light controls, reusable materials like low-smoke zero halogen cabling, an energy-monitoring system, and converged network. This is the first Australian stadium with sports/event lighting that¡¯s 100% LED-lit, so it¡¯s highly energy efficient.

How do you future-proof a stadium in the digital age?

Liliana:?The stadium is built for flexibility. It¡¯s designed to handle multiple sports and multiple users with flexible interior spaces. It¡¯s expandable to accommodate 70,000 fans. Lighting controls can be accessed via iPad or touch screens and can set scenes for diverse uses. The sports lighting itself has more than 30 preset scenes, from training to major sport.

From an engineering perspective, adaptability means enabling modification of space use without requiring major infrastructure changes. We built in pathways and cabling to allow for additional advertising, lighting, and screens over time. The plant areas and the electrical infrastructure like switchboards can be accessed easily, so a space can be retrofit from one use to another. A function room can be repurposed as an office with only minor alterations. In the electrical design, we used modular style systems and built in spare capacity. The modular wiring system allows for easy changes. The services are distributed within the stadium and divided in four cores, each with common risers and all the services locally.

Why is electrical infrastructure so important today?

Liliana:?That seamless sporting experience¡ªuninterrupted, no disturbances¡ªis important. Today, events go smoothly if your infrastructure¡ªespecially electrical¡ªis designed with resilience in mind. A total shutdown is unthinkable, from commercial and safety perspectives, but it was a possibility in the past.

And when we say electrical infrastructure, we are talking about a lot of services and wiring associated with that. How these myriad systems talk to each other¡ªseamlessly, flexibly, and reliably¡ªis complex.

Reliability is number one. We have dual power supplies that automatically switch on in case of failure. We have a substantial generator-backup system, designed not only for continuing power during the game in the case of a major power failure, but also to help with peak load demand and additional energy savings. Systems also back up of all the stadium¡¯s IT and network.

And for the media?

Liliana:?Events from the stadium are televised on a weekly basis in Australia. Because of the number of sports to be accommodated, we consulted widely on a variety of events to ascertain broadcast modes, along with radio and television needs for the Australian market and international standards. Services and connection points throughout the stadium are flexible and widely distributed so media can produce in any televised mode, partial or fully live.

What was a particularly challenging moment during the project?

Liliana:?We had a short program to deliver the stadium in time for its opening date and a commitment to the Premier. To meet these targets, the team completed the design and construction stages concurrently. Elements requiring longer lead times for delivery, like structural steel for beams, had to be ordered early by the contractor to maintain timelines.

But to do so, they needed to know how our electrical services would run, or if any penetrations in the beams were required, all before the architects had finished the conceptual design. Now that is tricky!

We adopted a design methodology that was fully flexible and adaptable that could incorporate design changes throughout construction. Constant communication was crucial to our success.

What did you like most about the experience?

Liliana:?The most enjoyable thing was to work in part of this large team of very talented architects, designers, and engineers. It was exciting to bounce ideas of each other and explore new technologies together. That was the pleasure of it because it wasn¡¯t just working in isolation but constantly coming up with ideas together to deliver an iconic building and a rich experience for fans and visitors for years to come. That¡¯s a special opportunity.

Have you been to a few big events now?

Liliana:?I have been to a couple. If I have tickets, I usually give them to my children, and I babysit the grandchildren. When they come back, they say, ¡°Oh, Lily, it¡¯s a fantastic place.¡± It makes you proud when your family gives you good feedback on how it feels to be at the venue.