How will Southeast Queensland travel, live, power its communities, and protect natural resources over the next century? These critical questions shaped the 17th annual Architectus Design Charrette, where designers envisioned a 100-year future for Brisbane and SEQ beyond the 2032 Olympics.
This collaborative event brought together experts across disciplines to explore urban regeneration, sustainability, climate resilience, and connectivity with Country. The focus: a 200-kilometre coastal corridor stretching from Maroochydore to Coolangatta, a region of immense opportunity but growing pressure due to rapid expansion, fragmented planning, and climate change.
Key Lessons for the Future
Two vital insights emerged from the proposals:
- Communities that thrive will live alongside critical infrastructure, embracing it as part of daily life.
- Successful planning must work with the environment — not against it.
Four Key Opportunities & Design Concepts
Opportunity 1: The Way We Travel
Concept: The Transport Transformer — Gold Coast City
With nearly 67% of residents commuting by private car, a shift is needed. Designers propose a multi-modal transport exchange and future community hub at the junction of the M1 freeway and new rail link.
Highlights:
- Starts as a transport hub for EV charging, rail parking & bike storage
- Future-ready for eVTOL ‘flying taxis’
- Carpark adaptable for future housing or commercial use
- Green land bridges reconnect airport to the ocean
- Wetlands and floodplain restoration improve ecological health
- Elevated rail enables a pedestrian-focused, flood-resilient precinct
- Capacity: 134,000 sqm residential (1,100+ apartments) + 112,000 sqm commercial
Opportunity 2: The Energy We Produce
Concept: The Solar-Powered Super Station — Helensvale
With abundant sunshine, SEQ could generate as much power as it uses. This design transforms Helensvale Station into a renewable energy hub.
Highlights:
- Solar panels across roof + façade
- Nearby wind farm supports clean energy production
- EV charging infrastructure supports public & private transport
- Biophilic design brings nature and community together
- Supports:
- 43,000 sqm residential
- 32,000 sqm research & learning space
- 30,000 sqm transport hub
- Retail, cultural & hospitality areas
Opportunity 3: The Way We Live
Concept: The Climate-Responsive Community — Petrie Station / North Pine River
Climate change is reshaping where and how we live. This proposal envisions a sub-tropical, water-resilient neighbourhood built to thrive in both wet and dry conditions.
Highlights:
- Timber-framed, solar-powered buildings on floating pontoons
- Elevated walkways link homes, recreation zones, and rapid transit
- Flood-resilient design — ‘wet mode’ and ‘dry mode’ adaptability
- Deep balconies and shading regulate heat naturally
- Native vegetation supports ecosystems and clean air
- Capacity: 1.1M sqm GFA, 5000 dwellings, 12,500 residents
Opportunity 4: The Water We Source
Concept: The Hydro Hub — Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore)
With climate change threatening water security, the Hydro Hub is proposed as a research, recycling, and treatment precinct to advance greywater and blackwater technology.
Highlights:
- Timber facilities in a restored native landscape
- Solar + wind energy systems to power operations
- Coastal winds harnessed via rooftop turbines
- Research centre positions the Sunshine Coast as a national leader in water resilience
- Capacity: 126,000+ sqm residential | 113,000+ sqm commercial
A Vision Beyond 2032
The Architectus Charrette offers more than ideas — it provides a strategic framework for sustainable urban transformation across SEQ, promoting resilience, innovation, and deeper environmental connection. This 100-year vision reimagines Brisbane and its coastal corridor as a linear city built on climate awareness, mobility, and community wellbeing.
