After Brisbane’s CityCat Terminals capsized in the 2011 flood, the Queensland Government held a competition to see if a more resilient solution could be found.
Project Name: Brisbane Ferry Terminals
Studio Name: Cox Architecture
Completion date: 2015
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Photography: Ross pottinger and Christopher Frederick jones
COX devised three winning remedies: fitting the gangways with air tanks, a hinge and a clasp enabling them to float and swivel around under a flood’s force; a single pier tall and robust enough to prevent pontoons floating off and to withstand large vessel impacts and; shaping the pontoon like a boat to deflect debris.
Simultaneously, the terminals were designed to enhance river travel and public engagement to meet the Council’s aspiration of being a ‘new world city.’
Removing multiple piles opened the river to unimpeded views, a canopy provided shelter, and ramping on the pontoon guided movement and offered varied places to relax. Each terminal is characterised by its connection with the land and neighbouring community.
