Projects | RAC Arena, Perth, Australia

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Multi-purpose indoor arena

Aurecon undertook award winning design services for the multi-purpose indoor RAC Arena (formerly Perth Arena). Architects ARM and CCN engaged Aurecon to provide design services for the structural, facade, vertical transport, retractable roof mechanism and fire safety engineering components of the Perth Stadium.

Delivering an iconic Perth stadium

RAC Arena is a 15,500 person capacity multi-purpose indoor entertainment and sports stadium that forms a critical part of the Government of Western Australia’s multi-billion dollar Perth City Link project. With the design brief from the client aspiring to provide an iconic, state-of-the-art world-class facility to attract and host international calibre sporting and entertainment events.

Innovative solutions were required for challenges associated with dealing with the extremely complex geometry, and close collaboration between project team members, contractor and client was a key factor in responding to various challenges in the successful delivery of this project.

Location

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Client

Government of Western Australia

Partners

ARM Architects, CCN Architects

Aurecon's Role

Building design including structural, facade, vertical transport, retractable roof mechanism, and fire safety engineering

Expertise

Building Design

Complete

2012

Features of the arena

The RAC Arena incorporates a retractable roof that can open and close in 14 minutes and a flexible design stadium allowing intimate 3,000 people performances up to 15,500 in tennis mode.

Other features include a basement car park, ground level plaza, a five-level superstructure housing tiered seating, with extensive hospitality and corporate suites.

The joint venture architects, ARM and CCN found their inspiration for the shape of the building facade from the historic Round House in Fremantle, and the Eternity Puzzle which consists of 209 abstract irregular shapes. The result is a unique and complex sculptural form that presented significant challenges to the engineering team.

The entrance area of the RAC Arena.

A Perth landmark

RAC Arena was opened in November 2012 and through its breath-taking design the Arena has quickly become a Perth landmark and reportedly Australia’s finest venue public amenity in Perth’s central entertainment precinct.

Award-winning

The project has won the following awards:

Winner: Property Council Awards/Rider Levett Bucknall Awards – Woods Bagot Award Australia 2015 – Best Public Building
Winner: Master Builders Excellence in Construction – Western Australia Awards 2013 – Best Public Use Building
Winner: Master Builders Excellence in Construction – Western Australia Awards 2013 – Subcontractor Award for Structural Steel

Winner: Master Builders Excellence in Construction – Western Australia Awards 2013 – Subcontractor Award for Cladding
Winner: National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Crystal Vision Awards for Excellence 2013 – WA Chapter 2013 – Innovation in Design – Amanda Pyrce
High Commendation: Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Awards 2013 – Infrastructure and Building (WA)
Finalist: Master Builders Excellence in Construction – Western Australia Awards 2013 – Bankwest Best Project