The Building Economist - March 2013 - The Future Issue

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

Subscriptions Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, National Office, Level 6, 65 York Street,Sydney NSW 2000.

Published quarterly $110.00 (including GST) annual subscription (Airmail rates on request). Visit our website www.aiqs.com.au and order your annual subscription online.

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

Flipboard

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