Allowing for full participation and making it the most accessible event possible
What a way to start 2022. The Australian Open for many reasons is always an epic event. This tournament did not disappoint, it had it all, from player drama, the best feels from our girl Ash winning the Women’s finals, a superb result from Dylan Alcott OAM (Australian of the Year for 2022), a 5 plus hour Men’s final leaving us all wondering just how they push their bodies so…
The Australian Open is considered the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific. Creating an event of this magnitude, demands serious consideration and planning for players, staff and spectators.
Architecture & Access have been providing access services for the Australian Open for the past 10 years and are immensely proud to again be involved, delivering access consulting (Disability Discrimination Act & Safety in Design) for all temporary facilities.
Our services included:
- Design reviews
- Performance solution assessments
- Regulatory authority submissions and liaison
- Construction assistance
- Site inspections
- Risk assessments
- Construction completion statements
This year we were involved with 28 structures over 5 zones, including the Grand Slam oval, western and eastern courts, Rod Laver arena court and terrace, and Birrarung Marr. In general, the structures are temporary and provide dining, entertainment and interactive experiences for patrons and visitors. Andrew Sanderson, Architecture & Access Director and Senior Access Consultant, is the leading Access Consultant for the Australian Open sponsor sites. “We work together with the construction teams to make each structure accessible”, says Andrew. “Each site is different and requires a specific response. You must be innovative and responsive. It’s exciting for our team to be involved with such an iconic landmark project, each year is different”, says Andrew.
Access Consulting for temporary builds like the Australian Open are dependent on quickly coming up with solutions whilst complying with the appropriate guidelines and standards. For example, as a tribute to the uniqueness of Melbourne city, a container laneway was built on Grandstand Oval. Container laneway made up of 20 containers (graffiti and all), delivered fabulous food by well-known Melbourne restaurants. “The oval has a fall on it, using rigid containers we had to come up with solutions to alleviate counter (serving) height issues for staff and all spectators.” says Andrew Sanderson.
Throughout this project Architecture & Access liaised with the City of Melbourne. It was important to understand their requirements to ensure overall approvals were achieved. Relationship management plays an important role with an event project like this. Architecture & Access is engaged by, and works with various external project management teams, who provide the sponsor structures. This forms part of the external temporary overlay for the event. Each structure is accessible and is required to comply and provide the appropriate access. This allows for all people to take part, whether attending an activity or buying food and beverages, the structures allow for full participation, making it the most accessible event possible.
Architecture & Access are proud that the services we provided assisted in ensuring everyone could enjoy this major tennis event.
