Populous

The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate global gathering. But what does it actually take to prepare a host city for the millions of fans, team and athlete needs, and immense operational requirements? USA TODAY recently sat down with Populous’ Jonathan Mallie, Jeff Keas and Kelly Holton for a look at the sheer breadth of our work supporting the FIFA World Cup™. Populous designed everything from high-level master planning down to the precise logistics of fan movement. The conversation highlights how Populous teams partner with cities and global sports leaders to ensure every touchpoint is designed for connection and community. Discover how Populous is setting the stage for the world’s most passionate fans: https://lnkd.in/drSUyTBJ #Populous #WorldCup2026 #SportsBusiness #SportsArchitecture #EventPlanning #DesigningForGathering

It was great to see our Brisbane studio buzzing earlier this week as we hosted The Vine Speed Mentoring event, presented by Parlour Inc: gender, equity, architecture in partnership with Architecture with Pride. Populous supported the planning and delivery of the event, helping bring together students, graduates and emerging professionals from across the built environment industry for an evening of meaningful connection and conversation. We’re especially proud of Dinesh Sraveanan, Associate Interior Designer at Populous, who took part as one of the evening’s mentors, sharing his experiences and insights with attendees. The event brought together LGBTQIA+ practitioners and allies to exchange ideas, build professional networks and foster a more inclusive future for architecture and design. Thank you to the organisers, mentors and participants who made the evening such a meaningful success.

Last night, the Populous Brisbane studio hosted the IAQ (Infrastructure Association of Queensland Inc) for an insightful discussion on 'Lifting the Veil on How Government Works and Makes Infrastructure Decisions'. The panel brought together representatives from all three levels of government, providing a rare opportunity to explore how infrastructure decisions are made in practice, not just in theory. Through a practical hypothetical scenario, the panellists unpacked the different roles, priorities and decision-making processes of local, state and federal government, offering valuable insights into how major infrastructure and design projects progress from concept to delivery. The evening was opened by James Pearce, Co-chair of the IAQ 2032 Taskforce and and moderated by Kyle Jones, Associate at Populous, member of the IAQ EPIQ Taskforce, and this year's recipient of the IAQ Future Infrastructure Leader Scholarship. A big thank you to our speakers: Marie Gales – Interim General Manager, Infrastructure Services Group, Toowoomba Regional Council. Grant Perry – Executive Director, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. David Muldoon – Assistant Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. Thank you to IAQ, our panellists and everyone who joined us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about the future of infrastructure in Queensland.

The City of Palermo and Palermo F.C. have submitted their official bid to host UEFA EURO 2032 matches, marking a significant milestone in Palermo's ambition to become one of five Italian host cities for Europe's premier international football tournament. If successful, the bid would see Palermo FC's newly renovated Renzo Barbera Stadium once again host international football at the highest level. Designed by Populous, the redevelopment envisions far more than a modernised stadium. It aims to weave the venue more closely into the fabric of the city, creating a year-round destination that is open, accessible and active beyond matchdays.

As technology continues to reshape how we experience the world, one thing remains constant: people crave the real moments of shared experience more than ever. In his latest Fast Company article, Brian Mirakian, Senior Principal at Populous, explores why designing for belonging is one of the greatest opportunities–and responsibilities-for our industry.

Every career starts somewhere, and for many designers, planners and creatives, that journey begins with an internship. For National Intern Day, we spoke with Populous interns Marissa DeWeese, Hector Medina, NOMAS, Nolyn Cunningham and Quin Martin about their summer experience, what inspired them to join Populous and what's made the biggest impact on them so far. Investing in emerging talent means investing in the future of design. We're grateful for the energy, creativity and new perspectives our interns bring to the team every day. The future of design depends on the next generation of creative thinkers.

Populous is honored to partner with the Kansas City Chiefs to deliver a championship-caliber training facility and world-class headquarters designed to fuel excellence.

Populous has been appointed as the Lead Designer for the new Frankfurt Arena. The state-of-the-art venue will be designed to host multiple event types, bringing the best of sport and entertainment to the city. Declan Sharkey, Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, commented: "We are proud to have been appointed to provide lead design services for the exciting P9 Arena project in Frankfurt. We look forward to bringing our global design expertise to create a world-class, sustainable venue that enhances the fan and user experience for every visitor." https://bit.ly/4wvNGdY

Against the backdrop of the iconic Marina Bay and in the lead up to Singapore's National Day events in August, Populous' Singapore Studio Head Andrew Tulen and Project Leader Fangming Du welcomed Australia's High Commissioner, Her Excellency Robyn Mudie, to a space that is close to the heart of so many Singaporeans - NS Square. Set to become a national landmark and another jewel to add to the already impressive skyline around the world-famous waterfront, the arena and community space is replacing the former temporary Float @ Marina Bay as an event venue featuring a National Service-themed gallery, community sports facilities and a public waterfront promenade. To facilitate the staging of events, NS Square will have a new permanent stage deck with a purpose-built basement that extends into the Marina Reservoir. The circular grandstand bowl which boasts cantilevered structures spanning up to 25 metres, will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, and will accommodate an increased seating capacity of about 30,000 to allow more Singaporeans to watch the National Day Parade and other events on-site each year. Populous is the Stadium Design Consultant, working with principal project designer WOHA for the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development. The venue is due for completion in 2027. Learn more about the project: https://lnkd.in/edgf3_M7

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains a benchmark among global venues. Christopher Lee, Populous' EMEA Managing Director and Global Head of Design, sat down with Dezeen to reflect on how the venue has helped redefine what a modern stadium can be and democratised the stadium experience. Read the article:  https://lnkd.in/e3Kw7-rt