THE jOURNAL Of THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE Of QUANTITy SURvEyORS
The
Building Economist
THE fUTURE ISSUE
fEATURING
WHAT THE fUTURE HOLDS fOR THE yOUNG GUNS
RISING fROM THE RUbbLE
GAMIfICATION
THE RUSH TO REbUILD AfTER NATURAL DISASTERS
DARLING HARbOUR REDEvELOpMENT A SHOT IN THE ARM fOR SyDNEy
QS: THE NEW GENERATION HOW TO CROWD-SOURCE CITy bUILDING
MARCH 2013
g co min
mid
2013
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The
Building Economist
10
IrisingNSIfromGHT the rubble
When natural disasters hit, the physical, emotional and social impacts are felt worldwide. The rush to rebuild and return to ‘life as usual’ has caused many to start questioning whether we are ignoring the opportunity to create buildings and cities built to last. BE investigates what the future really looks like once the storm has passed.
20 24
Darling Harbour redevelopment
Lynne Blundell writes about this shot in the arm for Sydney.
It’s Time to Play SimCity for Real
Insight by guest columnist James A. Moore.
Managing Editor Jenna Harfield
16
QS: the next generation
Quantity Surveying is now in the hands of the next generation. They are climbing the corporate ladder and embracing the chance to work on some of the most exciting new projects. BE chats to two young Quantity Surveyors to find out what they believe the future holds for them.
02 07 08 28 REGULARS 30 MAR 2013 CONTENTS
SNAp SHOT
FROM THE CEO
Nuts & bolts
QS KIT
SOCIAL
Contributions Articles relevant to construction economics and related subjects, pictorial material, letters etc are welcome. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. All contributions should be addressed to the editor: Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, National Office, Level 6, 65 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
The Institute does not, as a body, hold itself responsible for statements made and opinions expressed in this Journal. All rights of translation and reproduction are reserved.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Manikas
Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax: (02) 9279 1400 Email: editor@buildingeconomist.com.au www.buildingeconomist.com.au
Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax (02) 9279 1400
Cover: The Star Architect: The Buchan Group
Developer: Echo Entertainment QS: Davis Langdon, an AECOM Company
Executive Editor Emma Marshall Art Director Julian Brown - Nose to Tail
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Circulation Over 4,500 copies General and Advertising Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, National Office, Level 6, 65 York Street,Sydney NSW 2000. Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax (02) 9279 1400 Email: editor@buildingeconomist.com.au Artwork as a PDF is preferred. ISSN 0007-3431 Designed and printed for the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ACN 008 485 809) by Nose to Tail Pty Ltd
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – MARCH 2013 – 1
snAPsHot
SCHOLARSHIp fOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION ROLLED OUT NATIONALLy A
scholarship program previously only available in
The award of $10,000 is available for women working in the
New South Wales is to be made available across
construction industry for the purposes of developing a research
Australia from 2014.
paper that will be used as a positive instrument for change.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
See www.nawic.com.au for further information.
and Corporate Culture, a design furniture, lighting and accessory firm have joined together to announce the national rollout of the International Women’s Day Scholarship for a three-year period.
2 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
SNAPSHOT
NEW BUILDING CODE FOR 2013 RELEASED A new Building Code has come into effect and outlines the key behaviours related to industrial relations expected of contractors undertaking Commonwealth-funded work. The new code requires contractors bidding for Commonwealth-funded projects to have effective plans and procedures in place to deal with industrial disputes and occupational health and safety issues, as well as requirements for contractors to comply with the Fair Work Act and other relevant laws.
TOWER MELBOURNE GETS GREEN LIGHT A 71-storey residential skyscraper designed by architect firm Elenberg Fraser has been given the green light by Victoria’s planning minister Matthew Guy. Tall and thin with a slight twist, the tower will comprise of one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as office space and high-end retail and restaurant space on the first floor.
CONSTRUCTION RECYCLING TO GET BARANGAROO REGENERAGTION HELP FROM $10M FACILITY PLEDGES GREEN STAR Instant Waste Management in Western Australia has invested $10
The Lead Lease $6 billion urban regeneration project at Barangaroo
million in a new materials waste facility that can simultaneously
has announced its part as a pilot project for the new Green Star –
process both recyclable and non-recyclable construction and
Communities PILOT rating tool. Developed by the Green Building
demolition waste.
Council of Australia, the tool will support the design and delivery of more sustainable and liveable communities.
The new facility will be capable of processing about 200,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste, of which 90 per cent will be
The project is expected to include on and offsite carbon and
recycled into usable materials. It will also take the onus off builders
renewable energy, zero carbon waste treatment and commuter
and developers to separate waste at the source, enabling all waste
carbon emission offsets, as well as plans for Barangaroo South
to be dumped in one bin and sorted at the facility.
to be the first large-scale carbon neutral community in the country.
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 3
SNAPSHOT IN BRIEF
NEW DEAL FOR FINBAR
CHECK A BUSINESS WITH NEW WEBSITE A new website has been launched to
Founder and risk management expert,
protect businesses and consumers from
John Simmons, believes Businesschecker.
contractors and sub-contractors that do
com.au fills a void in the market that will
not have the right paperwork.
prevent everyone from individuals to large businesses from being exposed to scams
Businesschecker.com.au uses an easy
and unnecessary financial burdens.
search database to allow users to find out if companies are uninsured or unqualified.
F
inbar, considered to be one of the fastest growing property trusts
in Western Australia, has added to its portfolio with an $18.5 million deal to develop a luxury complex in South Australia. Adding to the three development lots at Perth’s Springs Riverdale project they acquired in December, Finbar will develop and manage the construction of the eight opulent apartments on
WATERBANK PRECINCT TO KICK OFF IN 2014 Lend Lease will break ground on its $1billion
areas, and public promenades featuring
Waterbank precinct in East Perth in late
a beach and wetland area, with the first
2014 after finalising an agreement with the
building and majority of the public domain
Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.
to be delivered by late 2017.
It will include a mix of more than 600 apartments, offices, restaurants, shopping
behalf of Alpha Praga Mill Point.
4 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
SNAPSHOT IN BRIEF
PEEL AND STICK SOLAR PANELS A SUCCESS
ONE AUSTRALIA AVENUE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Construction has begun on what will be the tallest building in western Sydney, One Australia Avenue. A joint venture between Ecove and Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), the recordbreaking third stage of the Australia Towers residential development will feature 300 apartments. The 30 storey tower is expected to be completed in mid-2015 and will join the first two towers which offer a further 483 apartments.
he idea of the world’s first peeland-stick thin film solar cells has
taken a step closer to becoming a reality with researchers at the Stanford School of Engineering successfully developing and testing this new technology. Researchers have been able to reliably attach the cells to helmets, cell phones, convex windows, portable electronic devices, curved roofs,
Sydney Olympic Park is one of Sydney’s few master-planned suburbs and the NSW Government is dedicated to ensuring its ongoing prosperity, with the population expected to grow to 50,000 by 2030.
T
clothing and more. This has all been achieved without modifying any existing processes, facilities or materials, and cells even have the ability to be peeled off and reused elsewhere.
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 5
navigate • select • succeed Conduit Recruitment The Preferred Choice Conduit Recruitment are the preferred recruitment agency for the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. In partnership with them we provide: • Recruitment services to builders, consultants and developers – see our website for our sectors and strengths • Advice on recruitment matters and HR solutions within the construction industry • Salary surveys • Sponsorship of various events including AIQS Annual Dinners, AIQS CPD Events, Excellence in Construction Awards, PIF Yacht Regattas, Young Engineers Awards and many others • Seminars on relevent industry issues such as OH&S, Staff Retention, Recruitment Strategies, Emerging Trends, Economic Forecasts, Workplace Relations, Staff Contract Law, etc
Please direct all queries to Adam Walker at adamw@conduitgroup.com.au or call him on 02 9929 7224. For all our current vacancies see our website www.conduitgroup.com.au
Call: 02 9929 7224 recruitment@conduitgroup.com.au
FROM THE CEO
THE FUTURE ISSUE T
his, our Future issue, seems a
first employee outside of Australia, Sangeeta
We are proud to have established a keen YQS
pertinent time to firstly reflect
Luthria, who is located in Dubai and so we
community in every state with engaged and
and acknowledge the achievements
have now officially established an office in the
active committees who are keen to drive the
of the past.
Knowledge Village in Dubai.
profession forward in their respective areas.
T
We hope you enjoy our interview on page 16
he end of January saw the 1st anniversary
The future sustainability of the profession
where we talk to YQS committee members
of the relocation of the AIQS head office
lies not only in strengthening the industry
from Victoria and Perth, including the winner
and appointment of our new team of staff. A
and education in Australia but also through
of the 2012 Conduit Recruitment Future
year on we’ve had time to settle in, shake
continued growth of our International
Leader Award, Vincent Lau.
things up and now look towards the future.
members with increasing allies in the Middle East, China, Thailand and the Philippines.
In the first year of the new AIQS we saw some
In the same survey conducted we discovered the disturbing fact that only 16% of our
additions to the events offering of the institute,
That is why, whilst remaining focused on our
members are female. This is an issue
including the launch of our events calendar to
core membership base here in Australia,
as an industry we desperately need to
allow all members to see what was coming
we must also nurture our rising community
address and our own Events and Marketing
up in their local area; and the touring national
of peers off-shore. Not forgetting the young
Manager, Jenna Harfield, has begun industry
CPD road show with special international
cadets and professionals who are entering the
consultation to create a female centric social
guest speaker, Dr Ken Walsh, from San Diego
work force and carrying with them an energy,
group to encourage a more balanced gender
University. The Infinite Value Awards were also
ambition and determination that will shape the
mix by providing and celebrating female role
launched in magnificent style with almost 200
future of the industry.
models within the construction industry. If you
attendees to the Gala dinner in Melbourne and winners from all over the globe.
are interested in this please get in touch with In a recent study carried out by our
Jenna on jharfield@aiqs.com.au I know she
Membership Manager, Kirsten Fitzpatrick,
would love to hear from you.
The Building Economist has finally moved into
she found that 58% of our members are under
the 21st Century with a long overdue facelift
40 years of age and 76% are under 50 years
2013 has already started off with a bang, with
and, if you are reading this article, it is proof
of age, with almost 55% between the ages
natural disasters both at home and overseas
that the facelift has worked.
of 21 and 40. This is a strong message that
plaguing our news screens. In our feature
the future of our profession is a robust one
article “Rising from the Rubble” we explore
The magazine has also moved to an online
with a large number of young members and
the future plans of towns and cities devastated
publication, reducing our printing costs and
professionals working amongst us.
by such disasters, and learn that in any bad
carbon footprint, as has the new look A-List
situation the challenge lies in learning from the
(members business register) and by the
Whilst generation Y comes with its bad press,
past and building stronger foundations which,
time this publication hits your letterbox or
we have found our YQS members to be diligent,
when shaken to the core remain standing
workstation the AIQS will have achieved over
enthusiastic and hard working. We have come
proud and tall.
10,000 views of our online publications.
across a group of young professionals who are eager to learn from their more senior team
Government engagement has increased
leaders and mentors, whilst embracing the
over the last year with meetings and
advantages and challenges of a new approach
correspondence with everyone, from the Prime
and new technologies. This is not a group
Minister Julia Gillard, down to the state and
of people to be feared or ignored, rather a
territory ministers in relation to government
collective to shape and encourage - making
inquiries and Quantity Surveyors Registration.
our organisations more diverse and efficient
Towards the end of 2012 the AIQS appointed its
ones.
Regards,
Michael Manikas Chef Executive Officer
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 7
nuts And Bolts
NATURAL DISASTERS To tie in with our feature article of rebuilding after natural disasters, nuts and bolts charts the costliest natural disasters worldwide, and compares these
3. HURRICANE KATRINA
with our home grown costs.
$45,000,000,000 5. HURRICANE IKE
$29,600,000,000
ESTIMATED DAMAGE (US$ bILLION)
COUNTING COSTS 350
300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1975
1980
1985
1990
8 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
1995
2000
2005
2010
1. TOHOKU EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
$300,000,000,000 4. THAILAND fLOODS
2. SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE
$45,700,000,000
$148,000,000,000 TOp 5 – AUSTRALIA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
SyDNEy HAILSTORMS (1999) DARWIN – TROpICAL CyCLONE TRACy (1974) NEWCASTLE EARTHQUAKE (1989) bRISbANE fLOOD (1974) QUEENSLAND fLOODS (2010/11)
$4.2 bILLION LOSS $4 bILLION LOSS $3.24 bILLION LOSS $2.64 bILLION LOSS $2.38 bILLION LOSS tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013 – 9
insigHt
RISING fROM
THE RUbbLE
THE “fUTURE-pROOfING” AppROACH fOR DISASTER zONES WHEN NATURAL DISASTERS HIT, THE pHySICAL, EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL IMpACTS ARE fELT WORLDWIDE. THE RUSH TO REbUILD AND RETURN TO ‘LIfE AS USUAL’ HAS CAUSED MANy TO START QUESTIONING WHETHER WE ARE IGNORING THE OppORTUNITy TO CREATE bUILDINGS AND CITIES bUILT TO LAST. bE INvESTIGATES WHAT THE fUTURE REALLy LOOKS LIKE ONCE THE STORM HAS pASSED. 10 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
Insight
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 11
insigHt
AS LONG AS THERE HAvE bEEN bUILDINGS, THE WEATHER HAS bEEN KNOCKING THEM DOWN. THE NEW yEAR IN TASMANIA WAS fILLED WITH fLAMES AS bUSHfIRES RAGED AND HUNDREDS Of pROpERTIES WERE LOST WITH THOUSANDS LEfT STRANDED. HURRICANE SANDy WILL DEfINE 2012 – A yEAR WHEN THE WORLD DIDN’T ACTUALLy END bUT MOTHER NATURE GAvE IT A GOOD SHAKE.
12 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
insigHt Billions of dollars in residential and
department to receive hot meals; the
Whilst many areas devastated by natural
business property damage, much of it in
urgency to start repairs and rebuild
disasters look at ways to protect against
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut,
is high. The challenge is now how to
the future, others rebuild with the future
as well as 140 deaths were all blamed on
balance this necessity to return to ‘life as
of the planet in mind.
“DISASTER OffERS A UNIQUE OppORTUNITy TO RETHINK THE pLANNING AND pOLITICS Of OUR METRO-REGIONAL AREAS – IT IS A CHANCE TO REDEfINE OUR CITIES AND TO REASSERT vALUES Of ENvIRONMENTAL CARE AND SOCIAL jUSTICE,” Hurricane Sandy. However, now the dust
normal’ with future-proofing and keeping
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina became the
has settled and the Republican-controlled
costs in mind.
costliest natural disaster in the history of
House of Representatives have approved
the United States, and third most costly
$50.7 billion in emergency relief, plans
New York’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg,
in the world. According to the Insurance
to rebuild those areas devastated by the
has already signed an executive order
Information Institute, it also generated
hurricane can now begin.
allowing homeowners to rebuild higher
the largest single loss in the history
so they can remain above flood levels.
of insurance of $ USD 41 billion. Over
In many areas, such as Brooklyn, many
It is easy to see that plans are being
204,000 homes in New Orleans were
people are still not back in their homes
considered that may mitigate future
damaged or destroyed, and more than
and relying on the local volunteer fire
storm damage.
800,000 citizens displaced.
tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013 – 13
insigHt When it came to the practical rebuilding, the Army Corps LACPR
Global Green USA saw the opportunity to create a sustainable
(Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration) identified the
future for New Orleans. During the summer of 2006, the
areas not to be rebuilt, as well as areas where buildings needed
organisation, in partnership with Hollywood’s Brad Pitt,
to be elevated. However, the architect selected by the citizens
sponsored an international design competition. According to
of New Orleans to re-plan a third of the city, Frederic Schwartz,
President and CEO Matt Petersen, this has lead to “more LEED
stated that cities must look beyond just short-term recovery.
Platinum homes in the Lower 9th than any other neighbourhood in the United States.”
“Disaster offers a unique opportunity to rethink the planning and politics of our metro-regional areas – it is a chance to redefine
For this organisation, and for Petersen, coming back from a
our cities and to reassert values of environmental care and
natural disaster is about looking at “how neighbourhoods can
social justice,” he wrote.
come back stronger than ever”. “We also know the threats to low-lying coastal communities due to sea level rise. With more than 150 million Americans living in or near coastal cities, we need to continue the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — by raising awareness, calling for action, and rebuilding more resilient communities and infrastructure,” says Petersen. Whilst America looks at turning the negatives left by a natural disaster into a “more resilient, healthier, and greener” future, New Zealand are piecing together the future of its secondlargest city. On 22 February 2011, Christchurch shook from a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. An aftershock that followed the 7.1 magnitude
GLObAL GREEN USA
earthquake of September 2010, it was one of well over 10,000 measurable earthquakes – 58 of which were a magnitude 5.0 or greater – that had shuddered beneath the foundations of the city.
Global Green uSA is the American affiliate of Green Cross international, founded by president Gorbachev,
From catastrophic collapse to gradual or creeping damage that
to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and
has worsened over time, Christchurch has endured it all. Last
secure future. For nearly 20 years, Global Green uSA
year, the local Government showcased its rebuild plan for the
has been a national leader in advocating for smart
city with the view to “build the area back better than it was
solutions to global warming including green building
before.”
for affordable housing, schools, cities and communities that save money, improve health and create green jobs.
A new 2000-capacity convention centre at a “postcard location” by the Avon River, a huge aquatic and indoor sports facility,
Global Green uSA has influenced more than $20 billion
revitalised square with a new central library, and Ngai Tahu
dollars for green building projects and educates
cultural centre will all now rise to form a revitalised city, which
millions of people about climate friendly solutions
according to Prime Minister John Key, will be “very much like
through its annual red Carpet/Green Cars Oscars
Melbourne.”
campaign. Global Green is also leading efforts to help rebuild a green new Orleans through its sustainable
Safety stood as the paramount concern when decisions were
green village and green schools initiatives.
being made on how to deal with land and buildings in the wake of the earthquake, with land zoned according to level of damage
14 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
insigHt and potential for damage in future quakes. However, once the
With the average full home repair costing about $NZ 35,000, just
rebuild gained momentum it became an opportunity to make
over 30,000 full home repairs have been carried out so far, along
changes and start fresh.
with 48,000 emergency repairs and 18,000 chimney replacement repairs, this has already proved to be a very costly exercise. And
“This disaster has provided Christchurch the rare opportunity
it still has a way to go.
to start afresh in creating a world-class, prosperous, green city that people are drawn to. Some residential parts of the city will
“In regard to full home repairs, the programme is approximately
no longer be lived in, and an exciting new central city will be
one-third complete,” says Peterson. “At a rate of 100 full
developed according to the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan,”
home repair completions per day – or 2,000 per month – the
says a Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority spokesperson.
programme is on track to be finished in 2015.”
Concluding that the new central area will be ‘future focused’,
So with all this money being spent on repairs, and with the
the spokesperson stated that the buildings would be “designed
constant threat of more earthquakes hanging over the heads
to new modern standards, and built using new approaches, and
of homeowners, are plans in place to ‘future-proof’ homes for
developers are expected to respond to the demand from tenants
possible earthquakes in the future?
for green technology.” “Our mandate is to repair the earthquake damage, and Whilst this grand vision is not without hope for the future, the
thus return the home to the condition it was in before the
other side to this devastating natural disaster is the damage
earthquakes,” states Peterson.
“THIS DISASTER HAS pROvIDED CHRISTCHURCH THE RARE OppORTUNITy TO START AfRESH IN CREATING A WORLD-CLASS, pROSpEROUS, GREEN CITy THAT pEOpLE ARE DRAWN TO.” to homes. Cracked or broken foundations; walls crumbled or
“The insurance provided by EQC covers repair of earthquake
even shattered; collapsed chimneys and floors; as well as other
damage, and this means renovation or improvement work is not
surfaces that have been shaken out of alignment fill the streets
covered. Homeowners can choose to ‘opt out’ of the programme
of Christchurch.
and self-manage their repairs if they wish to combine these with additional work.”
“In very general terms, rigid structures made from stone, bricks and similar materials have been more susceptible to damage
So whilst Christchurch balances between the Christchurch
than those made from relatively flexible materials such as
Central Development Unit embracing the opportunity to “rethink,
wood,” explains Fletcher Earthquake Recovery (EQR) General
revitalise and renew central Christchurch”, and the need to
Manager, David Peterson.
quickly return to normal life for many of the residents, what does the future really look like for the towns, cities and countries
New Zealand based building company Fletcher is engaged in the
devastated by natural disasters?
Canterbury Home Repair Programme as project manager under contract to the Earthquake Commission (EQC). The programme
For the building and construction sector, it is about getting
is concerned with repairing damage costed at between $NZ
the balance right after a natural disaster. Repair the present,
15,000 and $NZ 100,000.
revitalise the future, and bring hope to despair.
tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013 – 15
QS: THE NExT GENERATION QuAntity suRvEying is now in tHE HAnds oF tHE nExt gEnERAtion. tHEy ARE climBing tHE coRPoRAtE lAddER And EmBRAcing tHE cHAncE to woRK on somE oF tHE most Exciting nEw PRojEcts. BE cHAts to two young QuAntity suRvEyoRs to Find out wHAt tHEy BEliEvE tHE FutuRE Holds FoR tHEm. 16 – tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013
Generation Y are emerging from the
Surveyors are bringing a new found
shadow cast by Generation X, and taking
passion for an overlooked profession.
pride of place in the workplace. It is now time for the young Quantity Surveyors
Do they have all the answers? Well, no,
of today to make their mark – before
but they are willing to learn.
Generation Z finishes university and start snapping at their heels.
Two young Quantity Surveyors that are taking on the building and construction
Whilst the profession itself has been
industry are Melbourne based Vincent
around for centuries, the ways and work
Lau, and Perth’s Rebecca Parhar. Both are
of Quantity Surveyors have changed over
strong advocates of the potential of the
the years. Now with the continued rise of
next generation, sit on YQS committees,
technology, the growing importance of
and most recently, Vincent was announced
sustainability, and changing construction
as the winner of the Conduit Recruitment
demands, young Quantity Surveyors are
Future Leader Award at the inaugural
balancing the old with the new.
AIQS Infinite Value Awards 2012.
Attempting to create a new path is not
Positioned firmly on the front line of the
without challenges but filled with advice
profession, Vincent and Rebecca share
and following guidance, today’s Quantity
their thoughts on the future of an industry – as well as their own.
hOW DiD yOu bOTh COME TO bE
V: It is a very exciting and dynamic
QuAnTiTy SurvEyOrS?
profession. There are those days where,
Vincent: A relative of mine suggested that I
after years of hard work, a project reaches
give Quantity Surveying some consideration.
completion and I get to see the smiles of
At that time, like most people, I had never
my clients’ faces as they walk into a freshly
heard of the profession at all. After some
completed building.
quick research I found that it complemented my skill sets well. Upon undertaking my
AS yOunG QuAnTiTy SurvEyOrS, WhAT
final year of study at RMIT, Prowse Quantity
DO yOu FEEl yOur GEnErATiOn OFFErS
Surveyors took me in as a cadet and I’ve
ThE inDuSTry?
never looked back since.
V: There is a lot of energy and motivation amongst the young Quantity Surveyors
Rebecca: I studied Property and
to do well in their chosen profession and
Construction Management at The University
succeed in life.
of Melbourne with the view of becoming a Project Manager however, in my first year I
R: Simply put, they offer enthusiasm, as
discovered that Quantity Surveyors existed
well as a willingness and eagerness to
so decided to give it a go as it interested
learn. They can also bring forward new
me. I am definitely glad now that I did.
innovative and dynamic ideas.
WhAT iS iT likE TO bE A yOunG
V: And they look at working smarter by
QuAnTiTy SurvEyOr?
reviewing different ways of achieving the
R: I am constantly learning and being
same results, using technology that is now
challenged. Each day is different as you
available to them.
can be in the office doing cost plans one day and then out on site negotiating with contractors the next day.
tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013 – 17
What are the biggest influences on young Quantity Surveyors? V: In my opinion, the advancement in technology is one of the greatest influences. This includes new cost-effective green innovations and principles that we can apply to our projects to ensure that the next generation has the same opportunities as we do. R: Senior work colleagues. These are the people that teach young Quantity Surveyors most things related to the profession. Who has been your biggest influence? V: It would have to be Anthony Prowse. Like all great teachers he has been a great role model who is a master of his craft, he has set high expectations, and as a great friend he has taken the time to look at not only my professional interests, but quality of life as well. He has always encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone, and in doing so, allowed me to develop life skills and appreciate the value of working hard. R: My Dad has been my biggest influence. His profession is not related to this industry but his guidance and support, plus his own achievements in life, are what have given me the incentive and courage to set myself goals and aspirations. What has been the best piece of advice you have been given? V: Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. R: To try and act like a sponge and take every opportunity to learn as much as you can whenever you can. Is the industry changing and evolving? R: The industry is rapidly becoming more advanced with new technologies such the BIM modeling technology.
Vincent Lau
V: Our core competencies have not changed, but the way we do it has. Our
An Associate Director at Prowse Quantity Surveyors
projects are virtually designed these days. This results in more efficient
in Melbourne, Vincent has never looked back since
buildings, less conflicts between disciplines, and improves constructability,
graduating from RMIT in 1998. He has actively
better quality of documentation, which in turn saves our clients costs. This is
promoted the profession he loves far and wide and
beginning to change the way Quantity Surveyors go about their work, as well
is a valuable supporter of the AIQS. He continues to
as influence their involvement within a project team.
sit on the VIC YQS committee and has been the VIC chapter treasurer since 2008.
With a focus on the future, what do you think the QS & wider construction industry will look like in 10 years?
He has had a lead role as Quantity Surveyor for the
V: Ten years ago I was using a scale ruler and a calculator. Today I use a
RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct project, and
virtual scale ruler and calculator. Our core competencies will not change but
has also spent time promoting the AIQS at a variety
advances in technology will undoubtedly change the way we measure projects.
of career exhibitions, and as a guest lecturer and mentor for various universities.
R: Beyond technology, factors such as carbon emissions and sustainability will play more of a role due to their increasing predominance not only nationally, but globally.
18 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
V: The need for Quantity Surveyors follows the trends of the construction and engineering industries. As the world’s economy improves, demand for new work will follow, which will result in an increased demand for our services. As young Quantity Surveyors, where do you see your future? V: Professionally, I can see myself continue to assisting the AIQS and broadening the public’s understanding of the profession. Obtaining fellowship status within the institute is also something I hope to achieve in these next five years. Personally, I want to ensure my daughter has every possible opportunity available to her. Going through life’s challenges of a young family with the requirements of work is something I look forward to. R: I hope to be in a position where I have gained more responsibilities within my job role and am able to handle them with confidence. You are both members of the YQS Committees in Melbourne and Perth. Why is it important to have committees like this for young Quantity Surveyors? R: It provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow young Quantity Surveyors and enhance your contacts. It allows for a great morale boost to be able to socialise and enjoy time with others within the industry and gain more knowledge through presentations from prominent figures within the industry. V: The Young Quantity Surveyors committee in Melbourne really exemplifies the passion that the youth have for their profession. They sacrifice much of their personal time organising events throughout the year, including various networking opportunities, as well as attending many career and information nights, to help publicise the profession. Finally, Vincent what did winning the Conduit Recruitment Future Leader Award at the AIQS Infinite Value Awards mean to you?
Rebecca Parhar
Originally from Melbourne, Rebecca began her
V: It means that I’m not somebody just yet, but I’m on the right way to being
career with Donald Cant Watts Corke four years ago
somebody. It is a great source of inspiration and encouragement that
as a cadet Quantity Surveyor. After studying Property
through hard work and a great team, any challenge can be resolved. I am
and Construction Management and graduating from
most humbled by this and encouraged to keep developing the profession
the University of Melbourne two years ago, Rebecca
for the years to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those
jumped at the opportunity to move to the Donald
who have allowed me to take this journey and achieve what I have including
Cant Watts Corke in Perth, Western Australia.
my clients and their projects, past and present councillors of the AIQS, my fellow peers on the Young Quantity Surveyors committee, and last but not
Rebecca has a strong affiliation with the Australian
least Anthony Prowse and the staff at Prowse Quantity Surveyors.
Institute of Quantity Surveyors and currently sits on the WA YQS committee.
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 19
Darling Harbour redevelopment a shot in the arm for Sydney
Securing Sydney’s future as a top conference and expo location, and in turn, securing Sydney’s financial future, now rests on the new redevelopment at Darling Harbour. BE explores the ins and outs of the state- of-theart convention and exhibition centre, and what it really means for Sydney’s future.
1
W
ith its new state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre due to start construction later this year, Sydney has the chance
to put itself back on the global events map after a decade of losing business to the mega-convention destinations of south-east Asia. Conventions are big business, not only boosting a city’s local economy but attracting major flow-on benefits for the tourism sector. And according to the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), over the past five years alone the existing facilities at Darling Harbour were unable to accommodate around 169 conventions and 12 exhibitions, worth $150 million. Deputy premier Andrew Stoner says the new convention and
WORDS: LYNNE BLUNDELL
exhibition facilities will generate $200 million a year in economic
20 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
2
3
4
benefit to NSW, or $5 billion over the period of the 25 year
1
Masterplan - view from the south
2
International convention centre view from east
3
International convention centre exhibition - view from tumbalong park
4
The theatre - view from the east
concession, as well as 1,600 jobs during construction. “Sydney is a major world city and needs new, modern facilities to meet demand and help grow our burgeoning major events industry. The redevelopment is part of one of the most exciting urban renewal projects the city has ever seen and represents the biggest change to Darling Harbour in 25 years,” deputy premier Stoner said. When completed, the 20-hectare precinct at Darling Harbour will house Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facilities, a large red carpet entertainment centre, a 900-room hotel complex and new urban neighbourhood in Haymarket.
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 21
A wider aim of the $900 million project is to improve pedestrian
The PPP model
connections between Ultimo/Pyrmont and the city and between
Sydney has a patchy history when it comes to PPP developments,
Central, Chinatown and Cockle Bay Wharf. There will also be
tollroad projects such as the Cross City Tunnel and the Lane Cove
a continuous foreshore link from Darling Harbour to the new
Tunnel running into financial problems and attracting public outcry.
Barangaroo development. Project director for Infrastructure NSW, Tim Parker, says this PPP In December 2012 NSW premier Barry O’Farrell announced
venture is vastly different.
Destination Sydney, which comprises AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless Facilities Services, as the preferred
“There are two types of PPPs – social and economic. This one is
consortium to design, build and operate the new facilities,
social and the government is paying for the service.
branded as Darling Harbour Live. The project is being overseen by
Toll roads are the user pays model. With this development the private
Infrastructure NSW.
sector is taking the risk on the commercial side and the government is sharing the risk with the operator.
Sydney is a major world city and needs new, modern facilities to meet demand and help grow our burgeoning major events industry. Under the consortium arrangement, Lend Lease’s infrastructure
“The government is procuring a precinct solution which contains a
development business Capella Capital will act as PPP (public
mixture of private and public buildings,” says Parker.
private partnership) development manager and advisor. The PPP capital commitments are fully underwritten and Lend Lease will
The first stage of the redevelopment involves the public buildings –
invest 50 per cent of the equity alongside industry superfund
the convention and exhibition facilities and the Sydney Entertainment
HOSTPLUS, with debt provided by a consortium of local and
Centre. This will be followed by redevelopment of the southern end of
overseas banks.
the precinct, to be completed by 2020.
Contracts are yet to be finalised, followed by submission of the
“When we went to tender we were seeking a precinct solution. That
preferred masterplan for planning approval. Construction is due to
is one of the most exciting aspects of this project. We’re bringing
begin in December 2013 with completion expected by the end of 2016.
three public buildings together in one complex so that visitors can
Highlights of the project • 40,000 sqm exhibition space • plenary space for 12,000 • ballroom for 2,000 • entertainment facility for 8,000 • 900-room hotel • free wireless connectivity across all facilities & in public space • expanded Tumbalong Park with outdoor event space for up to 25,000 people • new Haymarket neighbourhood with high-tech businesses, residential, shops, cafes and restaurants • improved pedestrian connectivity across the precinct
22 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
THE HAYMARKET – URBAN SQUARE
Alex Buchan
David Hutton
go seamlessly from one to the other. And we
“From an economic perspective this is an
during the bid process which helped inform
are creating a whole new precinct.”
important and significant development for
these designs, and are now in the process of
Sydney and APK is proud to be associated
getting more feedback from local residents
with it,” Buchan says.
and businesses to help shape the very best
While such a large-scale redevelopment
outcome for Sydney,” says Hutton.
is complex, Parker is confident it will be completed in three years. Construction
Lend Lease is yet to appoint a quantity
will be simplified by keeping the existing
surveyor for the project. The developer is
The response
convention centre’s underground carparks,
keen to build on the success of its previous
Infrastructure NSW’s Tim Parker says the
eliminating the need for major excavation.
projects in the precinct, according to
majority of feedback on the project has so far
The steel structure and prefabricated
David Hutton, Lend Lease Group, Head of
been positive.
sections of the new buildings will be
Development.
manufactured offsite to expedite construction and minimise on-site work.
“We did get a bit of comment about the two “We have already successfully delivered
level exhibition space. The tradition has
Darling Park, Cockle Bay and Darling Quarter
been for one level but multi-level is now
Quantity Surveying firm Altus Page
and are currently in the process of developing
used throughout the world and it’s just
Kirkland (APK) was appointed by
Barangaroo South so we have a lot of
an evolution of the way conventions and
Infrastructure NSW in late 2011 to provide
experience in delivering quality outcomes
exhibitions are operated now,” says Parker.
cost planning and cost management
across Sydney and are excited to be a part of
services across the entire project.
this project.
APK senior director, Alex Buchan, told The
“We will be building an integrated convention
there will improved pedestrian connections
Building Economist APK has “worked closely
exhibition and entertainment hub, and have
across the precinct. These links will really
with Infrastructure NSW to achieve value for
developed innovative designs for the core
benefit residents and businesses.”
money on the project.”
buildings and associated public realm. We
“In terms of the redevelopment of Haymarket and Ultimo, local residents are very happy
consulted with industry and the community
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 23
It’s Time to Play SimCity for Real
Guest columnist James A. Moore
James A. Moore, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C, is the Senior Vice President at HDR Engineering, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. James has more than 25 years of experience in architecture, urban design and planning. At HDR, he has led many of the company’s most successful community planning efforts, with a particular focus on large-scale mixed-use urban redevelopment projects. Prior to joining HDR, James spent twelve years as a professor in the School of Architecture & Community Design at the University of South Florida, including a year as the interim dean. He was also the director of
24 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
the Florida Center for Community Design & Research, and an urban design and planning consultant to a number of firms specialising in community design and land planning. As a passionate urbanist, James is active nationally in the Urban Land Institute, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the American Planning Association, and the American Institute of Architects.
I
have always been fascinated by the game SimCity, as much for
our cities. 3-D and 4-D visualisation technologies have dramatically
the way it’s structured and the logic behind it as for the fun of
improved, as has the capacity to tap a vast audience of potential
playing it. It simulates the workings of a city, and enables users
collaborators. The opportunity has emerged to apply gamification
to play different roles in planning, designing, building and running
to the planning, design and construction of cities: to play SimCity
it. Ideas and actions have consequences, every action produces
for real.
a result, and each result impacts the progress of the game. It’s enjoyable and can be addictive. Since it first became popular in the
Gamification is a clunky term for an elegant concept; using game-
early 1990s, the technologies for understanding how cities actually
thinking and the ideas that inform games, in general, and on-line
function and operate, for collecting and analysing data, and for
games, in particular, in non-game-related ways. In this case, to
simulating potential outcomes have increased immeasurably. We
address key issues associated with urbanisation and the planning
can now accurately analyse and realistically simulate many of the
and design of cities.
key systems – transportation, water, energy, etc.- that comprise
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 25
Gamification looks to crowd-sourcing solutions with myriad rapid
And, the challenges keep increasing. Globally, hundreds of millions
feedback loops, throwing out ideas, testing them, building on them.
of people are moving to cities each year. Living conditions for
It’s an idea of open-source cities, in which anyone can participate.
much of that population are not very good. Natural disasters occur
Cities are fantastically complex systems of systems, but we all
regularly leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Our
understand them at least in part. Gamification is one way to
industry is called upon to figure out how to plan, design and build
harness this understanding in order to successfully address the
better, more efficient, more resilient cities, faster than ever before,
complexity, to truly explore the “algorithms of urbanism” and apply
using less money and much less in the way of resources. This is
this to the future.
where an approach like gamification can really be helpful.
The timing could not be better. The problems of city-building are
Gamification has potential applications internally and externally.
becoming harder, more pervasive and more complex. The outcomes
The teams that plan, design and construct buildings and cities
of our plans and designs are more important than ever, the time
include talented and experienced people from myriad professions.
frames more compressed. We don’t have a century to build a city –
It is rare, however, that an entire team – dozens, hundreds, even
we’ve got six months to create something that might last centuries
thousands of people—gets to work together collaboratively at a
or even millennia; we’ve got to make sure we get it right. This is
point where all suggestions are acceptable and the goal is to test
particularly the case after a natural disaster.
as many ideas a possible and find those ideas and bits of ideas that work, and aggregate them towards some sort of solution. Internally,
26 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
gamification has enormous potential to enable these teams to work together better, faster, more efficiently, and more effectively. Externally, gamification is a way to crowdsource the planning and design of our cities, to tap into the collective, to solicit ideas, to allow ideas to grow and be challenged or adopted, adapted and modified. It’s a swarm approach whose role, at this stage, may be to inform the consulting team, to provide additional data and input, to suggest ideas, and to generate innovative ways of addressing critical issues. It’s also a way to build a political constituency for a project or an idea.
GAMIfICATION STATS • half the internet population – 510 million people worldwide – play social games • This number has increased in 71% since 2010
The full potential of this approach has yet to be harnessed. All the major planning and design consultancies are adept at a range of
• 81 million people play social games at least once a day
simulation and visualisation techniques. They all recognise that planning, design and construction are team efforts, and many techniques have evolved to engage many participants in the design process. Design charrettes can be seen as a primitive form of gamification, and new IT and communication tools allow teams to come together from any point on the globe to test ideas and approaches. In addition, any project of any size has some form of community engagement, both to solicit input and to keep the public appraised of progress.
• Spend on average 9.5 hours per week on social games • Gamers spend on average $42.7billion on virtual currency or items which they buy at least once a week • 32 is the average age of an Australian gamer
Cities are, by nature, collaborative efforts. Gamification is a way to radically enhance the collaborative process. However, while
• 47% of gamers are female
the traditional building industry tends to be slow to adopt new approaches, technology companies seem eager to take on this
• 58% of social gamers are over 40 years old
challenge. This includes large IT companies like IBM, CISCO and Esri, start-ups like MindMixer and PlaceMatters, global conglomerates such as Siemens, and simulation and visualisation companies such as Autodesk. They are working with the large EA
• 8% of people access the games from a mobile phone • 901 million users of facebook
firms, who, in turn, are working with many of the world’s cities. The universities are playing a role, and individuals and small
• Spend an average of 405 mins on facebook per month
“pop up” urbanism groups are able to get involved because of the increasingly ubiquitous access to data, the almost unlimited computing power of the cloud, and the ever-growing sophistication of software.
• Gamers currently spend about uS$14 per month on gaming
A new version of SimCity is coming out this March. From what
• Spend on social gaming by gamers
I’ve read, it’s light years ahead of the last version. If so, it really indicates the potential to apply game technology and game
projected to reach $11.3billion by 2016
approaches to urbanism. The challenge, and the opportunity, for the building and construction industries is to learn how to play SimCity for real.
tHE Building Economist – mARcH 2013 – 27
QS KIT
Our Top Business Apps Apps or “mobile applications”, are software applications designed to run on mobile devices such as smart phones
Evernote Cost: FREE
Evernote is a free app that works across all of your devices, from
and tablets.
your smart phone to your tablet and PC. It allows you to remember Originally used for basic information sourcing or general
all of the important information in the one place and stay organised
admin based tasks (diary management, emails, weather
in a hectic work day. You can take notes, capture images, create
forecasts, stock market update), the production of apps
lists and voice recorded memos – which are then created into notes
is now a multimillion dollar enterprise that is making a
that you can access at home, work or on the go.
massive impact in the way we work and play. Like them or loathe them, there is no escape. With hundreds even thousands - on the market, that can change the way you operate and work, taking the time to understand them now can make life that little bit easier in the future. BE went snooping into the phone of our tech-savvy CEO,
BE’s Top Three Features: - Works across all devices - Completely “searchable” (even text within images) - Can email and share notes at the click of a button
Michael Manikas, to see what apps are currently assisting him in his day-to-day tasks. Here’s what we found.
Dropbox
ConvertUnits – The Scientific Unit Converter
Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE
Dropbox lets you save and send large files globally without the
Whether it’s area, distance, moles, temperature, weight, volume
hassle of downloading enormous and time consuming attachments.
or velocity ConvertUnits makes the conversion of scientific units a
You can access photos, videos and large files from any device
breeze. This app is useful when working on heritage or overseas
and you get 2GB of space when you sign up. AIQS currently uses
projects where it’s necessary to convert imperial to metric.
Dropbox to save and send our meeting minutes for National Council to reduce unnecessary printing costs.
BE’s Top Three Features: - Allows you to bring your files with you when you’re on the go - Adds files to your Favourites for fast, offline viewing
BE’s Top Three Features: - Simple and easy to use - Time efficient and reliable - Accurate to three decimal points
- Share freely with friends and family
28 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
QS KIT
Google Translate
This fantastic app enables you to translate words and phrases
All the news and updates you want in the one central place. This
across over 60 languages. You can even speak the phrase into the
time-saving app lets you personalise what type of breaking news
phone and hear the corresponding translation read back to you.
you want to receive. Simply pick a few topics and it will automatically
It also includes dictionaries so you can look up words and their
populate your Flipboard with the updates you care about from around
definitions, even in foreign scripts and alphabets.
the globe. You can also include your social networking sites to get
Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE
regular updates from Facebook and Twitter – genius.
BE’s Top Three Features:
BE’s Top Three Features:
- Voice recognition feature
- Voted Apple’s App of the
- Displays translation in full screen for ease of showing others nearby - Allows you to access your translation history even when offline
Year for 2012 – that is good enough for us! - You can share content to your Facebook account - It’s slick and stylish making it a great reading experience
Prezi
Tradies
Available as an app, in order to work in conjunction with your
Tradies is a mobile office tool for construction and trades providing
desktop version, Prezi lets you create creative and intuitive
quick and easy site diaries/dailies, variations/change orders,
presentations that can be shown or edited anywhere. With multi
request for information, invoicing quoting, purchase orders, tender
touch function, you can drag and zoom into key areas of the
requests, site instructions and subcontract agreements. All of
presentation, just as you do in Google maps, for a presentation
which can be emailed in PDF format.
Cost: FREE
experience with a difference.
Cost: FREE to download*
* To preview items and/or email PDF reports, you will need to purchase Tradies either by individual module or the complete app as a package.
BE’s Top Three Features:
BE’s Top Three Features:
- Multi language interface
- A one-stop shop for your site
- Colourful and interactive - A smart web-based alternative to powerpoint
organisation needs - Easy to customise to your business/project specifics - Minimises piles of paperwork
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 29
SOCIAL
NSW Chapter Christmas Drinks 30 Knots Bar, Sydney Tuesday 18th December
30 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013
SOCIAL
Dubai CPD Event Contracts Administration and Negotiation Holiday Inn, Dubai 5th February 2013
Victorian CPD Event Quantity Surveying in Electrical Services, Wednesday 13th February
If you have held or attended an AIQS event in your area and want to feature it in the Social Pages please send the event details and photographs with the names of who is in the picture to editor@buildingeconomist.com.au
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – March 2013 – 31