The Australian John Baker arrived in Brazil in October 2003 to lead a team of architects in designing venues for the 2007 Rio Pan American Games, for which Baker received kudos. One of them is the National Shooting Center (created by BCMF Architects), part of the Deodoro Sports Complex, which has been shortlisted for the Sixth Architecture and Urbanism Ibero American Biennial 2008 (BIAU 08) prize. Meanwhile, project development and technical analyses are at full speed. Baker is working on the Rio 2016 bid and is planning on new, expanded and renovated competition venues for high-level sporting events. None of this intimidates Baker, who has been involved with major sports events around the world, including the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

What is your experience with large international sports events?
I participated actively in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, in Athens 2004 and in Beijing 2008, where I was involved in improving existing competition venues. As a consultant, I worked on projects such as the Asian Games Doha 2006 (Qatar), and the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 (India), not to mention Rio 2007, of course.

When did you first come to Brazil?
I came here four and a half years ago to help design the 2007 Rio Pan American Games venues. Now I am working with the EKS consulting team and advising the Rio 2016 Bid Committee on infrastructure.

Tell us about your work here.
Everyday, we work a lot developing the Master Plan for the permanent and temporary competition venues, including technical consulting. I spend about 50 percent of my time in Brazil.

The National Shooting Center was nominated for a BIAU 08 prize to be awarded in Lisbon. What is your opinion on the venue?
Wonderful; in fact, I’d like to mention the Equestrian Center, which, along with the National Shooting Center, was one of the first to be developed. Both are cutting-edge designs, conforming to international federation requirements and of a quality found in spaces that have hosted Olympic Games.

Could you describe your participation in these projects?
I was mainly involved in the briefing. Both projects were conceived by Bruno Campos (Architect in Charge), Marcelo Fontes and Silvio Todeschi of BCMF Architects. Together with their team, they created the projects to also host Olympic Games and other world championships. The venues were designed for future expansions, even minimal ones. They are of outstanding quality, and deserve the recognition of international prizes.

How was the National Shooting Center evaluated during the World Cup in March?
More than 250 athletes from more than 40 countries were there. Their applause was the best feedback we could get. If the athletes themselves praised the venue, it means the space is a complete success.

Talk about X Park, which is part of the Rio 2016 Bid.
It’s awesome. It will be built inside the Deodoro Sports Complex to host three Olympic disciplines: mountain bike, slalom canoeing and BMX cycling. Non-Olympic disciplines – still being studied – are also being considered, including skateboarding and climbing. It is an unprecedented project in the history of Olympic Games.

Another legacy for the city?
Definitely. The idea is to give the facilities to the cariocas and attract new generations fond of radical sports. This is why it will be built in Deodoro, where there is a high concentration of young people. The concept for the area is unique, integrating nature and sports. It is a project for the future, incentive for interest in the Olympic Movement.