When the Sydney Swans wanted to create a new home for themselves that was an inclusive space for the club’s men's & women's teams, as well as boys and girls Academy footballers, that helped enhance connectivity between coaches, players and staff from the football club and also offered spaces for community engagement...they needed expert help, so they reached out to Populous - a design firm with over 40 years experience and $60 billion worth of completed projects.

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And Populous sent in their big guns - they enlisted Senior Principal Warrick Chalmers to join a specialized team to help blend the contemporary functionality required by elite sports teams with the timeless charm of the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park while also honoring the deep intangible philosophical pieces that make up the puzzle that is the Sydney Swans Football Club.

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So much more than just an office for the staff & a gym for the players, Swans HQ houses everything from recovery pools, to a dining area, outdoor terraces and even sleeping pods. It also offers a vibrant hub for Swans members and fans on match day and various spaces can be hired by community and business.

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During our interview, both Drew and Warrick revealed things about the construction of Swans HQ I hadn’t come across in my research for the episode, so it is one not to miss!

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Catch the episode on the Everyday Greatness page at barnabyhowarth.com.au, on Swans TV or listen to it wherever you get your Podcasts