Project Overview
The Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) is a world-class facility at the intersection of sport, culture, health, and community. Designed by ARM Architecture with Architectus (landscape architects) and executive architect CO.OP Studio, BEST’s striking design is informed by the local multicultural vernacular, including Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses, and Chinese gardens. Its high-tech façade references sporting technology, including 3D-printed equipment and apparel, carbon fiber prosthetics, and aerodynamic fabrics. The BEST serves as a centre for education, sports science, and allied health, offering integrated facilities equipped with the latest in medical technology. Students, athletes, and the broader community can access top-tier treatment and rehabilitation services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. BEST is not for elite athletes alone, it has been conceived as a generous community asset aimed at improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
ARM Architecture with Architectus and CO.OP Studio
Team
Mark Raggatt
Andrew Lilleyman
Amber Stewart
Sophie Coulier
Toby Flaye
Paul Buckley
Boden Davis
Natalie Iannello
Catherine Dupuy
Marcie Dounis
Davina Wilson
Stuart Webber
Esther Dickins
Ashleigh Casserley
Steven Donaghey
Robert McFee
Alex Thompson
Project Brief
The brief was to design a new facility for sports science and elite athletes in the Blacktown International Sportspark, which had become unused and tired. At the commencement of the project, the brief was limited. ARM worked closely with the Council to develop the brief as we tested concepts for the site, ultimately coming up with a partnership approach to develop the brief further. Australian Catholic University (ACU) came on board, along with several other organizations that signed up as future tenants. This drove the evolution of the project, from being originally targeted as a facility for elite athletes to hone their skill and performance, to an inclusive community-focused facility that advanced health outcomes for the Western Sydney public. The design caters to all walks of life, from elite athletes to the elderly, to children, and everyone in between. The brief demanded that the facility be fully accessible and serve as an eye-catching beacon that people would be drawn to.
Project Innovation/Need
Collaborative Design and Integration: BEST was developed and co-designed with a diverse range of partners, including the Australian Catholic University, Sydney West Sports Medicine, the AFL, Blacktown City Council, WentWest, and Delaware North. This collaboration integrates various expertise areas, making it a unique project that combines education, sports science, and allied health in one facility.
Focus on Health and Physical Literacy: The primary objective of BEST is to improve health outcomes for the Western Sydney community through health and physical literacy education. This goal aligns with the council's vision and brings a targeted approach to community health improvement.
Hands-on Industry Experience for Students: ACU students in sports science and allied health gain practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting. This integration provides students with industry exposure and practical skills, enhancing their education and career readiness.
Sustainable Design: BEST is designed with sustainability in mind, being all-electric with a 200kW PV system, greywater flushing, stormwater harvesting, cycle infrastructure, and end-of-trip facilities.
Cultural Integration in Design: The design incorporates elements inspired by the multicultural vernacular of Western Sydney, such as Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses, and Chinese gardens. This cultural integration influences color schemes, circulation patterns, and material choices, creating a unique and inclusive environment.
Innovative Design: The concept of ‘movement’ drives the architectural design, creating a dynamic experience as people move through the space. The sinuous footprint, repetition of elements, and protuberant façade reflect this idea, providing a unique architectural experience.
Design Challenge
The architecture of BEST is inspired by the multicultural vernacular of Western Sydney. Elements from Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses, and Chinese gardens influence the color schemes, circulation patterns, and material choices, creating a rich and inclusive environment. The GRC façade features high-tech references to sports technology, with design elements echoing 3D-printed equipment, carbon fiber prosthetics, and aerodynamic fabrics.
Our design prioritizes the concept of ‘movement’, with a sinuous footprint and dynamic interior spaces that encourage exploration. The facility includes a 60m analysis track, biomechanics lab, 20m hydrotherapy pool, strength & conditioning gym, environmental chamber, physiology labs, sports medicine consulting suites, and more. Each space is crafted to provide an optimal experience, whether for rehabilitation, high-performance training, or education.
Users will experience a seamless integration of functionality and aesthetics. The public areas, including a café, physical literacy playground, and student hub, are designed to foster interaction and community engagement. The building’s interior spaces use vibrant colors to distinguish key areas while supporting zones adopt a softer palette for a balanced atmosphere. This thoughtful design ensures that BEST is not only a cutting-edge facility but also a welcoming and inspiring place for all who visit.
Sustainability
The Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) exemplifies a robust sustainability approach, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions into its design and operation. Environmental sustainability is a core focus, with the building being all-electric and incorporating a 200kW photovoltaic (PV) system to generate renewable energy. Water conservation is addressed through greywater flushing and stormwater harvesting systems, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies and minimizing wastewater. Deep soil zones are maximized, with significant new canopy tree planting to decrease urban heat island.
Social sustainability is embedded in the facility's mission to improve health outcomes for the Western Sydney community. By offering health and physical literacy education, BEST ensures access to cutting-edge medical technology and treatment for diverse community members. The inclusion of culturally inspired design elements, reflecting the multicultural vernacular of Western Sydney, fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for all users.
Economic sustainability is achieved through strategic budget allocation, ensuring funds are directed towards key features that enhance design excellence and operational efficiency. The facility supports local economies by providing employment opportunities and fostering collaboration among educational institutions, health services, and sports organizations. ACU students gain hands-on industry experience, preparing them for future careers and contributing to the local workforce.
BEST’s sustainable design and operation create a model for integrated, community-focused facilities that promote long-term environmental health, social equity, and economic viability.
Architecture - Public and Institutional
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow.
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