AQUA NEXUS

Olympic Stadium and Village System / Architectural Design

Pittsburgh, PA

Timeline

August - December 2024

Role

Olypmic Stadium by Farah Daveau, Olympic Village by Esha Shah

Programs

Rhino, Vray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

The Concept ↗ Finalised Spread ↗ Iterative Process ↗

Project Brief

Aqua Nexus is an architectural and urban design proposal that reimagines Pittsburgh as the host of a Water Olympics, turning the city’s three rivers into an international stage for rowing, sailing, swimming and diving. The project centers on a contemporary Olympic stadium positioned along the Strip District riverfront, one of Pittsburgh’s most active neighbourhoods. The stadium’s design employs screen facades, expressive truss systems, and a pedestrian bridge that links five interconnected blocks, creating both a striking urban landmark and a welcoming civic space. Conceived with government support and global audiences in mind, Aqua Nexus extends far beyond the games themselves. After the Olympics, the facility is envisioned as a lasting legacy for the community, a hub for water sports, youth programs and recreational activities that enhances Pittsburgh’s riverfront identity. By combining bold architecture, world-class athletics, and long-term public value, Aqua Nexus positions Pittsburgh as a city where its rivers become not only a backdrop but the very heart of its cultural and civic life.