2024 Architects Study Tour
BlueScope’s 2024 Architects Study Tour in Sydney provided a unique opportunity to explore the innovative use of steel in some of the city’s most iconic projects. From cutting-edge architecture to networking with industry peers, and a visit to Port Kembla Steelworks, the two-day tour offered invaluable insights into the role of steel in modern design. See the gallery to explore the highlights of this year's tour and don’t miss your chance to register your interest for the 2025 event.
Tour highlights
Tour Guide - Bob Nation AM
We were honoured to have award-winning architect Bob Nation AM, with over 50 years of experience locally and internationally, provide expert guidance during the event. His impressive career includes being appointed design director for Sydney’s renowned Barangaroo development in 2012, alongside other major projects such as the Bangkok Sky Train System and the 2nd Airport in Bangkok.
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta by Populous
Al Baxter Senior Principal and Director at Populous led the visit to CommBank Stadium, offering a firsthand look at the design of this world-class facility. As an architect with extensive experience in stadia design and a former Australian Rugby Union player, Al brought a unique perspective. The stadium provides a blueprint for the use of welded beam sections with expressed bolted connections to achieve build efficiency without compromising on aesthetics. Additionally, the design consciously embraced steel’s reuse and recycling potential.
Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Parramatta by Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall
At the Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Andrew Burges shared the innovative design approach that brings a sense of serenity to this remarkable project. As principal of Andrew Burges Architects, Andrew has led numerous urban master planning and civic projects. The Parramatta Aquatic Centre, winner of the Urban Design Award and the Sulman Medal in Public Architecture at the NSW AIA Architecture Awards spans over 15,000 square metres and features pools, wellness areas, and community facilities, all while carefully preserving the surrounding park's landscape and historical context.
BlueScope's Port Kembla Steelworks
A highlight of the tour was an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, where attendees gained a deeper understanding of steel production technology, witnessing the colossal BOS plant, the continuous slab caster, and, in the final stages of the tour, the Hot Strip Mill, where steel slabs are reheated and rolled into coils.
"Thank you team BlueScope...It was all so well run...The visit to the Steelworks was incredible - the scale of the operation was mind-blowing." (Participants, 2024 Architects Study Tour)
Build lasting connections
Beyond the architecture and the Port Kembla Steelworks, the tour offered plenty of opportunities to connect and network with peers and the BlueScope team. Delicious meals at restaurants MISC. Parramatta and Steamers Bar and Grill Wollongong, provided the perfect settings to share ideas and experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.
Get inspired - see the full gallery
See the moments, people and projects that made this year’s tour special.
