India cheers Australian-designed mega-stadium

Australian design company, Populous, helps India build the world’s largest cricket arena.

On 3 March 2023, the Prime Ministers of India and Australia celebrated new trade ties at a cricket test match in Ahmedabad. What made the day special was the stadium. The Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest, with a capacity of 138,000. And it was designed by an Australian company.

‘India is aspiring to become a global leader in sports,’ says Isha Rathee, Principal, Populous Design Pvt. Ltd (Populous). ‘There’s a big focus on the creation of top-grade sports venues and training facilities. We bring unique skills in the design of these spaces, ensuring their long-term sustainability. It’s an awesome time to be in India.’

Building sustainability into design

Australia’s Populous is a multi-award-winning design company that specialises in sports stadiums, arenas and entertainment venues. Its 3,000-plus projects include the iconic Wembley Stadium in London and Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC). 

Sustainability is an integral feature of Populous design. The company’s Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle in the US is the first arena in the world to receive a zero-carbon certification from the International Living Future Institute.

‘We factor sustainability into every aspect of design with the end goal of creating climate-positive venues,’ says Siddharth Soni, Principal, Populous. ‘For example, we plan for the usage of a venue over the lifecycle of a project. We aim to maximise energy efficiency right from the early stages of the project.

‘Also, we minimise construction impact. We use “low embodied” carbon materials as much as possible. Then there’s operations. Our buildings are designed for flexibility and only use air conditioning when and where it’s needed.’

Rising demand for infrastructure in India

Populous set up a design studio in Delhi in 2011. Executives were attracted by a huge increase in infrastructure projects – and increased demand for intelligent buildings.

‘India is poised to become the third largest economy in the world,’ says Rathee. ‘There’s a big push to fast-track development of infrastructure in India. The Government intends for sport to contribute towards economic growth.’

Today, Populous has around 35 architects working from its main studio in Delhi. According to Soni, there’s a constant two-way flow of expertise with Australia.

‘We are “global and local”, says Soni. ‘Australian architects and designers are involved in every project and work as one integrated team. Many come over to work with us out of our office in Delhi.’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the grounds of Narendra Modi Stadium.

A shared passion for cricket

Rathee reports particularly strong demand for sports venues that include multiple facilities.

‘There’s enormous interest from the public and the private sector,’ she says. ‘There are literally hundreds of cricket grounds across India. Many of them need urgent upgrades. India’s passion for cricket is driving more investment with fans wanting better experiences and amenities.’

Populous recently worked with the Government of Gujarat on the masterplan and concept design for the gigantic, 350-acre Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports enclave.

The enclave is a US$640 million, public-private project that will cater for multiple sports. It is designed to host Olympics-sized events. It will be a “one-of-a-kind” sports hub in India, according to Soni. 

‘The Indian Government is taking a holistic approach to sports development and planning,’ says Soni. ‘Projects range from large venues to high-performance centres and academies for athlete training. This indicates a well-thought-out strategy to address critical gaps in sports infrastructure in India.’

Austrade helps build credibility in a new market

Soni says Populous benefits from excellent relations between India and Australia. He says Austrade capitalises on friendship to cultivate business relationships.

‘Austrade is known for helping to create meaningful partnerships and hosting high-level delegations,’ he says. ‘Our managing director was invited on the official delegation that met Prime Minister Modi. That gave us great visibility.’

Austrade has worked directly with Populous since 2014. Soni reports that Austrade officials have made introductions and helped build important connections with various stakeholders and large contracting firms in the country.

Populous has been part of many Austrade-led initiatives, including round tables and networking events. These initiatives help build the company’s profile in India.

‘Having Austrade support provides credibility in a crowded market,’ says Soni. ‘Austrade support makes us part of a larger family and enables us to tap into the wider network as well.’

Populous was the 2019 Australian Exporter of the Year in the Australian Export Awards.

The future: bright prospects for sustainable buildings

Populous reports rising demand for smart designs that enhance sustainability and deliver a lower carbon footprint. That gives the company confidence in its future in India.

‘We’ve had a continuous presence in India for almost 14 years,’ says Soni. ‘A committed physical presence in India for architecture and design companies is critical to success. Our clients know we are here to stay, and we work with them as their trusted advisors.’

Rathee observes that sustainable architecture in India is evolving. She says there is increasing awareness and adoption of green building practices. This has implications for companies with unique capabilities in the built environment.

‘The Indian Government provides incentives and subsidies for the creation of sustainable buildings,’ she says. ‘This means there’s lots of potential work in India – and lots of interesting work.’