Using human-centric data for a positive Brisbane 2032 legacy

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the first to embrace a distributed events model, with events occurring in multiple locations and venues spreading from the city. This event model is a first for a host city on this scale and aims to create a more inclusive and expansive ‘ecosystem’, boosting engagement and investments across a wider area.

Data and digital tools can be used to inform planning and development, and also help de-risk decisions around urban regeneration projects. Using these in combination with human-centric data is pivotal in creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

At GHD, we use a bespoke ‘Loveable Language Model’ which aids community engagement by crafting query-able insights based on what the community wishes for, wonders about, or loves. We then use data from this process to craft insights and visualisations that better inform and support decision-making.

This is useful at the beginning of a project, as adopting this approach helps identify what really matters to a community, to deliver spaces and infrastructure that can have a positive, lasting benefit. Capturing human-centric data improves inclusivity, revealing not just who is included in the data set, but also who is missing and why? Recognising these gaps is a crucial step in meeting the needs of all the members of the community.

In a mega-event context, data is critical in understanding how people interact with spaces and infrastructure, especially in making sure that venues and investments from the Games will benefit the wider community long term. Beyond static demographic data, we can also use dynamic sources like mobile networks, GPS, foot traffic analysis, and social media sentiment to gain real-time insights into how people move and interact with their surroundings. For example, analysing foot traffic patterns reveals popular routes and gathering spots, which in turn can be used for crowd movement planning. Sentiment analysis can be used to gauge public perception and satisfaction with different spaces and developments.

The lead up to the Games is an opportunity to ask ourselves:

• How can we prioritise engagement and give community members an active voice in urban regeneration?
• What tools and data can help inform our decisions?
• How can we uncover hidden patterns of social disadvantage or exclusion?
• In what ways can we prioritise sustainability and long-term legacy planning?

Discover how Brisbane 2032 can leave a thriving legacy in our free report on data's role in shaping vibrant urban spaces.