The quiet race to claim Brisbane’s best venues has already begun

The quiet race to claim Brisbane’s best venues for the 2032 Olympics has already begun, and the smartest teams are moving fast.

While most of us are still thinking about stadiums and transport, national committees are quietly touring the city’s cultural landmarks, scouting for spaces that could become the next great Hospitality House.

Last month, I shared some thoughts on Hospitality Houses—those country-specific gathering places that have become some of the most visited venues at the Games. The response was overwhelming: nearly 20 different stakeholders reached out with their own ideas and experiences.

Many recalled the national pavilions from World Expo ’88 —and a few, like designer Mark McClelland, even brought up the legendary IBM Surf Shack he helped bring to life. The floating “cyber café” on the harbour allowed fans to send real-time messages to athletes. Then, athletes could respond to that same fanmail in a sister facility that was set up in the Athletes' Village. Revolutionary then, nostalgic now.

Paul Martins, Chief Economic Development Officer at Moreton Bay, remembered when Austrade used an Auscat boat on Sydney Harbour as its official Business Club Australia office during the 2000 Olympics. “It worked a treat,” he said.

What’s striking is how fast the conversation is moving. Teams like the U.S. and India are already looking at spaces across Brisbane. Likely, they won’t be the last.

Yes, there are still seven years until the torch is lit. But as any architect or city official knows, projects of this scale take years to bring to life. For Brisbane, the opportunity window is wide open right now.

Three venue types that win big

Drawing on our work across tourism, hospitality, and sports, three venue categories stand out as prime contenders for Hospitality Houses:

1. Cultural & Heritage venues

Historic buildings with distinctive architecture make for exceptional Hospitality Houses. They project prestige and story, which might be ideal for countries like France or the U.K. looking to showcase heritage and craftsmanship. A heritage backdrop can elevate the narrative, creating the perfect setting for receptions, exhibitions, and other cultural experiences.

Consider the Treasury Building in Queen’s Wharf. While it is currently being transformed into an inner-city campus for Griffith University, you can see how it would make a great Hospitality House.

2. Existing venues ready for an upgrade

Not every country arrives with a multimillion-dollar budget. Many are looking for solid, well-located spaces they can elevate through thoughtful design and programming. An underutilised building near South Bank, or a more dated event hall close to the stadium, could easily transform into a lively Hospitality House with the right creative approach.

3. Temporary & Floating Pavilions

Brisbane’s greatest asset is its riverfront. Floating houses or temporary pavilions bring flexibility, visibility, and flair. Imagine a Brazilian house buzzing with music and dance, or a shared house where smaller nations combine resources.

Oasis, a three-level boat experience in Brisbane, is a prime example of a potential floating venue. Each level has its own sound system, full-service VIP tables and can host up to 500 guests. Photo credit: Oasis Brisbane

Across the city, we’ve identified more than 30 potential venues across these categories and ranked them according to their suitability and specific advantages. Some dripping with legacy, others offering blank-slate potential, and some perfectly positioned to create once-in-a-lifetime pop-up experiences.

Turning ideas into action

Spotting the opportunity is just step one. Delivering it is something else entirely. That’s where Open Architecture comes in.

We bring:

Expertise across hospitality, sports, and tourism – Designing “sticky” venues is our bread and butter: places people want to stay longer, spend more, and remember.

• Cultural intelligence – Our diverse team and consultant network ensure no missteps, creating experiences that resonate across cultures.

• Deep local connections – From government stakeholders to venue owners, our network can unlock the right doors, fast.

• Execution ready – From master planning to activation, we know how to turn sketches into living, breathing destinations.

Brisbane 2032 will be here before we know it. If you’d like to know whether your venue made our list of 30—or you’re curious about what’s possible—let’s chat.