Anna Meares Velodrome Display

Celebrating and protecting an Olympic legacy

Client: Stadiums Queensland
Category:Interpretation
Date: June 2022

Stadiums Queensland asked Brandi Projects to design and create an interpretive display showcasing sporting history and memorabilia. The display celebrates the legacy of Anna Meares OAM and the sport of track cycling within the world-class Anna Meares Velodrome here in Brisbane. The Velodrome, situated at the Sleeman Sports Complex, is the home of track cycling in Queensland. It was purpose-built for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and will no doubt be utilised for the Olympics in 2030.

The display tells the story of the Velodrome’s namesake, Anna Meares. Anna is regarded as one of the greatest track cyclists in Australian history, with a whopping 11 World Titles, 37 National Titles, 6 Olympic Medals (2 Gold), and 8 Commonwealth Games Medals (5 Gold). The display preserves the Anna Meares legacy for future generations, providing inspiration for athletes and sports fans alike.

Graphic panels detail Anna’s incredible cycling career including highlights from four Olympics, where she took home medals in each. Anna was Australia’s first athlete to bring home medals from every Games she competed in. The printed text is juxtaposed with a series of large, often life-sized emotive images. And complemented by giant glass showcases housing Anna’s Olympic bikes.

Features at a glance

Display of Anna Meares’ Olympic Bikes encapsulated in glass showcases.
Historic images of Anna at the Olympics
Detailed information about Anna’s track cycling career
Olympic Records
Honour boards for the Velodrome’s Medalists and Track Record Holders.
Use of timber panels from the Velodrome throughout the display

Unique design aspects of the Anna Meares Velodrome display

The most challenging (and rewarding) aspect of this project, was the handling of the irreplaceable Olympic bikes. The significance of this wasn’t lost on us. We were honoured to be trusted with their care. One bike is mounted onto angled timber, which is the actual timber used for the Velodrome’s surface. Behind each bike, are graphic panels with images and text, bringing to life four medal-winning Olympics. We encased the displays in toughened glass to protect the very expensive bikes. Multiple touchpoints from text, images, Velodrome timber and the bike itself increase the impact of each display, helping to bring sporting moments to life.

This project required a high degree of precision in all aspects, from project management through to installation. Some of the points that we brought our unique skill sets to, included handling a high volume of historic information. Designing graphic panels which meet the needs of sporting fans and athletes for interest and accuracy. Most notably, it was important the displays were designed, constructed and installed to the highest quality, worthy of what is and will only continue to be, a world-class facility.

As sporting fans and Queenslanders, the fit out of the Anna Meares Velodrome Display was a privilege to be entrusted with.