The report, 'Giving the West the Best: Why we should have an architectural competition to design the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek,' argues architectural design competitions are a proven method of creating iconic buildings that enjoy strong community support.
"A competition for Badgerys Creek would draw architects from Australia and around the world, and give the people a chance to vote for the design they want. Similar competitions around the world have generated additional tourism by boosting the profile of their region.
"A two-stage, open competition would be ideal. Entrants would be able to provide an initial design, and, if they make it through to the next round, would then be able to add detail - perhaps with guidance from the judges. The whole process would be exciting."
Crosby said Western Sydney deserved a second airport of higher quality than Melbourne's Avalon.
"Melbourne's second airport, Avalon, provides a pretty handy example of what Sydney should not do.
"It is hard to imagine that anyone feels proud of Avalon, it is obviously just a poor alternative to Tullamarine. If the NSW Government wants Western Sydney to truly get behind a new airport they should make every effort to ensure it is a truly excellent facility.
"The winner would be a design that is aesthetic, environmentally sustainable, and integrates well with the broader Western Sydney region.
"It should also seek to find creative uses for the extensive 1700 hectares of land that has been allocated to the Badgerys Creek site, almost double the size of Kingsford Smith. This much land provides a unique opportunity to develop an airport precinct that does more than just provide transport services. It could become a hub for the whole region," Crosby said.
