Vox December 2010 by Halcrow

issue seven: december 2010

A new direction for Halcrow

Welcome to the seventh issue of Vox.

Editorial Anna Mann, editor mannal@halcrow.com Eloise Young youngel@halcrow.com Haidee Harrison harrisonha@halcrow.com Chris Warmoll warmollcj@halcrow.com Design Emilie Dadswell dadswelle@halcrow.com Tracy Newman newmant@halcrow.com Colin Johnston johnstoncc@halcrow.com Distribution Gabrielle Gilligan gilligang@halcrow.com Contributor Richard Rhydderch Vox is designed and produced by Halcrow’s corporate communications team. Printed by Rumbold Holland on Revive 50:50 silk recycled paper, it contains 50 per cent recovered waste and 50 per cent virgin fibre. It is manufactured at a mill accredited with the ISO 14001 environmental management standard. The pulp used in this product is bleached using an elemental chlorine-free process. This material is recyclable.

Editor’s comment

The Vox team

In this issue we take an in-depth look at The Delta Programme, which heralds an exciting new chapter for Halcrow. Driven by its aim of bringing the whole business closer to clients, Delta will usher in a heightened commercial and technical focus, as well as more rewarding career opportunities for employees. Elsewhere, we take a tour of Halcrow’s new corporate headquarters in London and report on a project to supply water to Jordan’s capital, Amman, via a 325km-long pipeline. We also catch up with the company’s pursuit of the proposed Severn Barrage tidal energy scheme in the UK as part of its major projects programme. When producing this issue we were, as always, massively oversubscribed, with employees submitting significantly more quality content than would fit within Vox’s 52-page format. As such, this edition of Vox focuses on projects and business initiatives, as well as employees’ activities outside the office. A special corporate responsibility issue will be published in early 2011, which will include the company’s sustainability work, Halcrow Foundation-supported projects and employees’ charitable efforts. Welcome to Kevin Owen, our new correspondent for the Bedford office, UK.

Featuring:

Just add

water

Correspondents Americas Argentina, Mariana Ojeda Canada, Cathy Spark Belize, Ian Rowdon Chile, Georg Welzel Saint Lucia, Mandish Singh US, Andrea Grinbaum Asia

Pipeline to provide Jordan with alternative water supply – 12

China, Harry Mao Hong Kong, Irene Or India, Rajni Dhiman Malaysia, Robert Davies

Dawn of a new era

Philippines, Ricardo P Dela Cruz Seoul, Andrea Choi Australasia Tim Dehn

New corporate HQ gives Halcrow room to grow – 28 Project profiles – 04 The only way is up Safety first at World Trade Center site – 05

Ancient history

The times

they are a-changin’

Delta kicks off – 34

Europe and central Asia (overall), Dijana Garwood Poland, Anna Prokulska Romania, Gabi Ivascu Middle East Gulf offices, Haidee Harrison Pakistan, Ali Khan UK

State of the nation An interview with Peter Gammie – 37

Bedford, Kevin Owen Birmingham, Peter Robery Bristol, Judith Turner

The prince of tides Severn Barrage pursuit reflects major project programme – 38g

People – 39

Archaeological discovery for Broadland team – 08

Cardiff, George Ballard Chichester, David Jukes Crawley, Stella Barber and Warren Crawley Derby, Peter Robery Edinburgh, Becki Fleming

Achieving ambitions – 39 When it rains, it pours Blossoming relationship with Manila Water – 16

Europe and central Asia

Exeter, Rachel Smith and Sarah Dawe

Alumni – 40

Glasgow, Julie McSorley Inverness, Kat Dearing

St Petersburg’s crowning glory Visitors check in on flood barrier progress – 18

Awards – 21 Business beat – 25

People parade – 42

Leeds, Phil Thrower

Off the beaten track Bill Austin goes off road in Australia – 44ga

At your service Ongoing success for global service desk – 27 Top of the class Surveys highlight clients’ perspectives – 31 Success breeds success Toolkit brings stakeholders on board – 32

London (Elms House), Eloise Young Peterborough, Laura Crawford Swindon, Sarah Nichols

Sporting success – 46 Happy birthday, Halcrow Barry Celebrating a decade in business – 25

Ireland, Dijana Garwood

Waltham Cross, Dawn McGilchrist

Announcements – 48

Out of office – 50 Different ways of seeing Jeff Chen captures extreme sports on film – 50

York, Graeme Pollard

Project profiles Celebrating excellence Brisbane at dusk

Weighing anchor Remote, soaring mountains and brilliant sunshine recently gave Melbourne-based engineer Ben Jones an unusual backdrop to his work, assisting in the restoration of an ancient Greek temple.

Problem solved An ingenious application of engineering skills solved a tough challenge thrown up during the Cornwall Street relief drainage scheme in Brisbane. Not only was the site of the excavation shaft in the middle of a road junction, but it was also directly below live power lines. Halcrow engineers, working on behalf of Brisbane CityWorks, quickly concluded that the traditional approach of using a gallows and reaction pads to force caisson rings into the ground would not work. Not only was the construction headroom significantly constrained, a further challenge to the designers of the shaft was that the drive of the micro-tunnelling boring machine into the two sections of the tunnel would be offline by 13 degrees.

A member of the construction

team checks on progress

“The conventional gallows method is usually an effective and economical way of doing the job,” said design team leader Charles Vuillier. “But this method relies on a suitable ground structure and enough space to construct the gallows, so in this case we had to find another approach.” Instead, the team used a small excavator to dig out a shaft which was gradually reinforced by segmented concrete rings. Grouting was progressively applied behind each ring as it was completed.

Although this method is often used in Europe, it is uncommon in Australia, and the components and process had to be designed by Halcrow’s concrete and tunnelling specialists. Halcrow designed a counterbalanced rig to carry each segment to its location, with the counterbalance release being carefully controlled to ensure there were no violent changes in load as the segment was removed. When a good quality layer of rock was reached the jacking slab was modified, saving time and money. Geotechnical skills came to the fore again when the shaft was finished: the team was called on to design the offcentre foundations for the jacking rig once the first half of the storm water tunnel had been completed. “It was a tight schedule but the shaft was delivered on time and to cost,” said Charles. “This was a great demonstration of the engineering skills for which Halcrow is known.”

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Looking down the shaft

Armed with a laptop and an ample supply of sunscreen, Ben was using Halcrow’s unique GRound ANchorage Integrity Testing (GRANIT) system to check the anchorages of cables supporting a tent covering the temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassai in the Peloponnese. Located on a remote mountainside, the fifth century temple is thought to have been designed by the same architect behind the Parthenon in Athens. It is also reasonably well preserved due to its remote location, which has spared it the ravages of acid rain and avaricious explorers through the ages. The temple was all but forgotten until 1765, when the French architect Joachim Bocher stumbled across it by accident. Since then it has kept scholars and antiquarians busy trying to uncover its secrets. In 1986, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation declared the temple a world heritage site and restoration began. A protective tent was erected over the temple the following year and remains in place today, guarding against Ben using the GRANIT system at Bassai the extremes of the mountain weather. However, the tent’s guy ropes – or steel hawsers – were designed for a life of just 20 years, and the painstaking restoration work is nowhere near complete. With the tent’s safety called into question, Halcrow was asked to test all 200 bolt anchorages using GRANIT. The system is non-destructive and noninvasive, so testing can be repeated as often as required without affecting the integrity of the anchorage. It works by analysing the frequency response of a bolt when small impacts are applied to the head, from which the bolt’s condition can accurately be determined. The results were supplied to a committee of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, so that an appropriate maintenance schedule can be devised. Ben said: “I am very proud to have been involved in such an exciting project. One day the restoration will be complete, the beauty of the colonnades of the temple will be revealed again and Halcrow will have played its part in that achievement.”

Image courtesy of Jeff Chen

p u s i y a w y l n o The rs as new World Trade Center

Halcrow Yolles protects worke

or years the scarred site across the street from Halcrow’s New York office remained fenced off and silent, save for the knots of tourists milling around its barricaded borders.

Debates rumbled on in the US and beyond over the most appropriate use for the downtown block where the World Trade Center once stood – whether as a sombre memorial, business hub or catalyst for the regeneration of lower Manhattan. Now, with a compromise reached and the plans finalised, construction on site is progressing at breakneck speed. As engineer of record for structural steel contractor DCM Erectors, Halcrow Yolles is helping to heighten safety conditions and improve access as the new complex’s skyscrapers shoot up. The team is currently involved in two of the six towers that will reconfigure New York’s cityscape, raising columns of reflective glass and light into the sky, as well as the transportation hub that will shuttle passengers to and from downtown Manhattan. Two huge waterfalls symbolising the twin towers’ building footprints, a museum and an arts centre round out the 7ha complex. Formerly known as the Freedom Tower, the tallest of the clustered skyscrapers – One World Trade Center (WTC1) – is already approaching the midpoint of its eventual 417m. A mast will push its total height to 1,776 feet (541m), symbolising the US constitution ratified in the same year. Visitors craning their necks to view the building’s apex will spot one of Halcrow Yolles’s contributions – a three-dimensional cocoon wrapped around the upper levels currently under construction. The team designed the mesh-clad structure to prevent falls and protect those working within it from tumbling tools and debris. As the 105-storey WTC1 tower incrementally rises skywards the whole cocoon is lifted by crane to the next level, enabling construction to continue safely.

takes shape

The team also designed an access stair that hangs off the face of the building, covering 16 storeys. “The mesh-wrapped stair can also be moved in a single crane lift,” explained senior engineer Bill Ding, “providing instant access to the top levels. As well as reducing the need for potentially risky ladder climbs, the structure protects those working below from falling objects.”

80 years at the top

Materials and equipment are safely delivered to the top levels via a drawbridge which services three storeys simultaneously. This component, like the other structures, is shifted up the building as it takes shape. Once complete, the transportation hub will be home to the city’s third-largest train terminus. A series of Halcrow Yolles-designed temporary platforms are enabling the installation of the sweeping subterranean roof structure, which spans five rail lines and will support several metres of soil and a park above ground. As the new World Trade Center rises from the rubble of Ground Zero, Halcrow Yolles is helping improve safety conditions for the 2,000 workers making it happen.

Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building remained the world’s tallest building until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1972. To celebrate the art deco landmark’s 80th birthday a National Geographic-produced documentary will air in 2011, contrasting early tall building engineering approaches with modern techniques. Halcrow Yolles was contacted by the production crew and asked to contribute. Principal engineer Pierre Desautels stepped in front of the camera to discuss the safety aspects of the World Trade Center development. “Safety is paramount on this site,” he said, “heightened by the project’s profile and the fact that it’s being constructed under the watchful eye of nine different state and city agencies.”

Project profiles Celebrating excellence

Vital link

Pole position It’s not so long ago that Poland’s infrastructure was considered by some to be a communist-era museum piece. But in recent years, a rapidly expanding network of world-class motorways, highspeed rail links and new bridges has consigned that image well and truly to the history books. Halcrow is playing a key part in the transformation. Over the last few months the transportation team in Poland has picked up speed, securing a number of high-profile projects. Recent wins include the Bydgoszcz airport rail link and the building permit and execution design of a 1km bridge that will slash journey times. Halcrow’s profile in the country received a major boost recently with the appointment

of Krzysztof Celinski as the new head of the rail team in Poland. Krzysztof brings a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through senior positions with the ministry of transport, Warsaw Metro and Polish State Railways, Halcrow’s major rail sector client in the country.

st t rail link was the mo The Bydgoszcz airpor w lcro Ha the by d ope recent tender to be sco ng passengers team in Poland. Speedi railway station and in ma ’s city between the t – which is due to be its airport, the projec a will form a key part of completed by 2013 – ing link politan rail line new high-speed metro . un Tor Bydgoszcz and missioned to prepare Halcrow has been com and environmental technical, economic . This will include link studies for the new current situation, a an assessment of the and recommendations cost-benefit analysis ion ded by European Un for action. Partly fun an ate cre to p hel l funds, the scheme wil en nsport system betwe integrated public tra the two cities.

Among other Halcrow projects which have made strong progress over the last few months are a feasibility study for flood-related works on the Odra river and the design and build of the S8 expressway between Bailystok and Jezewo. The modernisation of the E65 railway corridor has also been continuing without any delays. Halcrow’s regional director for Poland, Jarek Karpiejuk, said: “Poland’s ongoing infrastructure investment programme has created one of the most exciting markets in Europe. Our growing team is helping us to build a strong Halcrow brand in the country.”

Farewell to the

ferry

Halcrow has be en awarded the building permit and exec ution design of a 1km bridge over the Vistula at Kami en, replacing an un reliable ferry lin k. The nearest bridge is currently 70km away. Working on beha lf of the regional roads administration in Lublin, Halcr ow will undertake the fea sibility study for the new bridge as we ll as designing th e structure and su pervising constru ction works. The 13-m onth project, wh ich will link national road s nine and 19, is set to significantly redu ce journey times across the river.

Halcrow takes the initiative A 25-year project to maintain and upgrade Birmingham’s roads could help pave the way for Halcrow to benefit from a lucrative new private finance initiative (PFI) market. Halcrow played a pivotal role as technical adviser to the senior lenders behind the Birmingham highways maintenance and management service project. The £2.7 billion scheme involves the upgrade and maintenance of the city’s 2,500km of highway assets and was awarded to Amey PLC by Birmingham City Council earlier this year. Halcrow’s lenders’ technical adviser due diligence report played a pivotal role in allowing the project – which was developed in a time of great financial uncertainty – to be supported by the funding market and reach financial close. Over the next five years, Halcrow will continue to support the lenders by monitoring contract performance and progress to meet six-monthly milestone targets. Halcrow will also assess the general appropriateness of the ongoing technical solutions and certify monthly payment certificates. The funding, risk transfer and technical complexities associated with long-term maintenance projects have historically meant they were not considered suitable subjects for PFI projects. Project director Andy 6

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Cole explained that Halcrow’s exacting approach to addressing and, if necessary, challenging the key elements of the Birmingham plan had underlined the viability of such projects, placing Halcrow in a strong position to bid for future contracts. “This is only the second such scheme to be signed worldwide,” said Andy. “The first was in 2004 when Halcrow acted as technical adviser to Portsmouth City Council in the closure of its highways management and maintenance PFI.”

Night works keep Birmingham

moving

Three further UK projects currently in procurement – Sheffield, Hounslow and the Isle of Wight – have received outline business case approval from the Department for Transport, signalling a potential shift towards PFI-type contracts for largescale maintenance works. Halcrow acted as technical adviser to the Isle of Wight project and, as part of a network management company joint venture with Balfour Beatty Workplace, is one of three remaining bidders on the Hounslow project. “Our role on the Portsmouth and Birmingham schemes seal Halcrow as a world leader in these particular transactions. As a company, we will benefit from this status in the global market,” said Andy, “as well as being well placed to capitalise on opportunities in the future.”

Tide turns for mothballed Muscat project Halcrow is to play a key role in kick-starting a stalled beach-side project in Oman.

The new client, Omran, has commissioned Halcrow to undertake advanced marine works on the site, which was formerly known as the Salam Resort and Spa. This involves a full assessment of the works already completed and preparing tender documents to allow the project to be finalised. If some of the original works are included in the specification, Halcrow may also be involved in completing the reclamation and dredging, and the marina quay wall, rock revetments, breakwaters and beaches.

Halcrow’s regional manager in Oman, Kareem Al-Balushi, maintained a close relationship with the project after work was suspended to ensure Halcrow was well placed to continue when activity resumed. The project is being managed by transportation’s Natasha Roza-Butler with key inputs from coastal market sector manager Colin Emmitt and his team based in Dubai and Muscat. Project director Rob Kitchen said: “Our ethical approach to finishing incomplete work without taking advantage of the situation ensures that Halcrow stands out as a reliable partner for other projects which may be restarted.”

Game on

(L to r) Martin Perkins, Jason Lumb, Phil Allen, Fiona Endley, Dan Brenton, Margaret McGowan and Katie Shama

The team inspects the stalled Yiti site

Infrastructure and marine works had been 75 per cent completed by Halcrow when progress stalled on the Yiti development in 2009. The 350ha project, 10km south of Muscat, was planned to house deluxe hotels, a golf course and a marina.

A revised master plan for the project will take account of market changes and aim to create a more sustainable, tourism-based focus. Because progress on the marine features was so far advanced before work stopped, these will be completed and incorporated into the new master plan.

In less than two years’ time, thousands of athletes and spectators will converge on London for the 2012 Olympic Games. Much of the action will take place at the main site in Stratford, where construction is progressing at a sprint. Halcrow is playing a pivotal role in the preparatory work for the landmark stadia currently taking shape. Halcrow has provided consultancy services to BAM Nuttall since 2006, with the contractor responsible for remediating and preparing the south site for construction. Pressure on this phase of the project began mounting as the main construction programme could not start until the completion of enabling works. The Olympics’ profile coupled with the last-minute scramble to complete the venues for previous games further fuelled the impetus to deliver on time and to budget. All efforts during the contract’s initial two years focused on the remediation of heavily contaminated land at the site, required for the construction of key Olympic facilities such as the main stadium and the aquatics centre.

With the completion of this stage ahead of schedule, the team turned its attention to gaining regulatory approval and signing off the site works as stipulated by planning legislation. This process is split into two categories: human health and controlled waters. The first assesses any potential health risks to both visitors during the Olympics and those who will live and work on the site after the games, while the latter monitors the rivers flowing through the site and groundwater against an agreed set of clean-up targets. The team began submitting the necessary human health reports in September 2008, confirming the absence of harmful contaminants. Of the reports submitted to date, 21 have already been signed off with two others currently under review, maintaining an enviable success rate. Another milestone flashed past when the first controlled waters validation report was signed off by the regulators, including the Environment Agency – a significant step in demonstrating the overall effectiveness of remedial works at the site.

Project manager Jason Lumb commented: “These approvals reflect the significant effort put in over the last two years by Halcrow and our colleagues at BAM Nuttall to deliver a remediated site to an extremely demanding programme and a standard that meets the approval of the regulatory authorities.” The team’s ongoing efforts were acknowledged with a gold award as part of Halcrow’s employee recognition scheme.

On your marks: London counts down to 2012 • when London hosts the games in 2012, it will be the first city to hold the summer Olympics three times – in 1908, 1948 and 2012 • the 1908 Olympics were originally due to be held in Rome. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906 forced Italy to pull out, and London stepped into the breach • London was due to host the 1944 games, which were postponed with the outbreak of the second world war, and the post-war Olympics were the first to be broadcast on home television • some 4 billion people around the world will tune in for the opening ceremony on 27 July 2012 • the London Olympics will generate £10 billion in revenue for the UK economy as a whole

t n e i Anc y r o t s i h Broadland team uncovers relics of previous civilisations

A section of the

ing

boat prior to lift

The project arc

Archaeologists plotting the boat’s location and alignment

t may not quite rival Pompeii or Machu Pichu in the headlines stakes, but the UK’s Norfolk Broads recently attracted the interest of the archaeological community with the discovery of Iron Age timber posts and a wooden boat dating from the Saxon period.

The preserved remains were uncovered by the Broadland Environmental Services Limited (BESL) team – Halcrow’s partnership with BAM Nuttall, which is working on a 20-year project to improve flood defences in the Broads on behalf of the Environment Agency. While excavating a new dyke near the village of Geldeston to source clay for a section of flood bank, BAM Nuttall employees uncovered large sections of timber embedded within the soils. “Work was stopped immediately and our specialist project archaeologist arrived on site shortly afterwards,” said project manager Jeremy Halls. “An initial inspection suggested that the timbers had been shaped with prehistoric tools, indicating a find of national significance.”

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ns the find to a

local archive gro

posts running almost parallel to the intended line of the dyke, as well as several horizontal sections suspended between them. Timber specialist Richard Darrah analysed the axe marks in the wood and concluded that the posts most likely dated from the Iron Age. The structure – the third to be unearthed in the Waveney Valley within the last four years – was possibly built as a causeway across marshy land or water although its original use, whether as a river crossing or a ritual site, remains unknown. While ancient timber rarely survives the ravages of time and the elements, the waterlogged peat had effectively preserved the wood, preventing decomposition. Samples of the wood and surrounding soil were taken for laboratory testing to determine the date and environmental conditions at the time of construction. The discovery generated significant interest, particularly from local residents, although access remained restricted as the area was still an active construction site. “We decided to hold a series of accompanied events, enabling people to visit the site,” explained Jeremy. “Reporters interviewed the archaeologists during our media events, and 26 local residents gathered for a guided tour and expert explanation from the archaeology team.”

Initial inspections suggested that the timbers had been shaped with prehistoric tools

Over the next three weeks, a team of three archaeologists painstakingly excavated the bank area and carefully recorded all findings. The excavations revealed three rows of vertical timber

haeologist explai

Aerial view of the site (photo courtesy of Mike Page)

Digging for Broadland No stranger to archaeological discoveries, the BESL team had previously unearthed sections of two timber causeways in the Waveney Valley. The rarity of such structures sparked national media attention in 2006 after a find near Beccles. Cue surprise, then, when another causeway was discovered at Barsham in 2007. Located directly opposite the Geldeston site, this may have served as a crossing point. Tool marks and other similarities suggest that all three date from around the Iron Age. A Bronze Age ‘potboiler’ site comprising a mound of charred flints was uncovered at Geldeston, near the timber causeway. While archaeologists remain unsure about their exact use, the remains are thought to result from stones being heated in a fire. These may have then been transferred into an earth oven or directly into a pot of water – hence their name.

Vertical posts

Other notable finds include previously unrecorded mill bases, brick works, a coin hoard, pieces of early pottery and a possible fish trap.

with axe ma

rks

During the three-week investigation period, work on the flood defences was relocated to another part of the site to avoid any slip in the overall programme. The post sections were subsequently reburied as exposure to the air and resulting oxidation processes would cause them to dry out and disintegrate. Work has since resumed in the area where the timber was discovered, but with material being sourced from elsewhere in the marsh to avoid the protected site. The earth had barely settled when a 3m-long boat, hollowed out from a solid piece of oak, was uncovered by the team digging a new soke dyke near Ludham Bridge on the River Ant. The vessel was sent to York to be preserved and accurately dated, with palaeo-environmental samples from the surrounding ground also tested. Five animal skulls found nearby suggested the boat was deliberately buried, possibly as a votive offering.

An archaeologist

inspects the tim

ber posts on sit

This is the first time a vessel of this type has been excavated and analysed using modern archaeological methods – the only other log boat on record in the UK was discovered on the River Ant in the 1930s. Once the preservation works are complete, the boat will return to the region to be displayed by the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service in one of its permanent exhibitions.

The timbers are uncovered

Project profiles Celebrating excellence

Highland spring

Speed demon

After 15 years of delays and setbacks, the wait is almost over for the team behind the Aviemore water treatment works in the Scottish Highlands.

Given the constant pressure to deliver projects on time and to budget, any advances on construction timelines elicit celebrations. Two days early: great. Two weeks: excellent. Two months ahead of schedule and you quickly start running out of superlatives.

Loch Einich, nestled high in the peaks of the Cairngorms National Park, currently supplies the area via the 50-year-old Black Park treatment works near Inverdruie. The £20 million Aviemore scheme represents a radical departure from the status quo – and a more sustainable alternative, according to client Scottish Water Solutions. Once complete, the Aviemore works will tap into a vast underground reservoir beneath the River Spey.

The £700 million M3 Clonee to North of Kells motorway scheme – one of the largest single road projects to be constructed in the Irish state – fitted into this latter category when it opened almost two months early on 4 June 2010. Halcrow Barry, Halcrow’s joint venture with Dublin-based JB Barry, has played a leading role in the delivery of the project as part of a three-consultant joint venture since 1999.

Well rounded: the new motorway bypasses several towns

The scheme includes some 112km of new public roads and a further 37km of access roads. Bypassing Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells, it has the potential to cut an hour or more off peak-time journeys between County Cavan and Dublin.

Halcrow’s involvement stretches back four years and has helped bring the project from the early concept stages through to construction. Contractors Black and Veatch and ROK Construction began work on site in January 2010 and Halcrow’s multidisciplinary team is responding to technical queries as the scheme takes shape. Boreholes drilled up to 55m deep will supply water to a state-of-the-art ultrafiltration membrane water treatment plant capable of processing 7 million litres daily. Treated water will then be pumped to a new 4,000m³ clear water tank before being delivered to customers via the 50km distribution network. The new works are part of a £200 million regional capital investment programme being undertaken by Scottish Water to meet future demand. With up to 1,500 homes set to spring up in the Badenoch and Strathspey area and the annual influx of summer visitors coinciding with the loch’s lowest levels, there were concerns over the existing water supply acting as a brake on the region’s development. Almost 12,000 people will turn on their taps to a clean, secure water supply as early as August 2011, as project manager Sharon Greene explained: “Work on the boreholes, pipeline and water tank is progressing well, and construction of the water treatment works began in July. This infrastructure is a prerequisite for the area’s population, economic and industrial growth – without it, Scottish Water would be facing a water deficit.” Chief executive Peter Gammie visited the site as part of his September trip to Halcrow’s Inverness and Edinburgh offices, with Sharon and lead design engineer Lachlan Cowan on hand to show him around.

Opening the M3 motorway, minister for transport Noel Dempsey said: “The M3 is one of the biggest road projects to open in Europe this year. Opening ahead of schedule, it marks another major achievement in the government’s delivery of the most ambitious roads programme in our history.” Halcrow Barry project director Tom McCracken commented: “Having been involved for over a decade we are pleased to have played a significant role in delivering this important road scheme, bringing benefits to both road users and residents of the bypassed towns. To have reached this stage and delivered such a high-quality section of motorway is testament to the highly professional and conscientious approach of the many Halcrow Barry employees who have contributed during its lifetime.” 10

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Peter Gammie with Sharon Greene and Lachlan Cowan

The construction of the M3 scheme was carried out under a public-private partnership (PPP) contract, with Halcrow Barry guiding client the National Roads Authority through the tender process, followed by the construction and works monitoring phase. Earlier in the project lifecycle, Halcrow Barry had brought a section of the scheme from conception through to the planning approval stage.

Head of the class A state-of-the-art transit system will transform the way people get around Qatar Education City as the campus continues to evolve. Suspended 8m above the ground, the twin-track rail system is Halcrow’s first rail project in Qatar and will carry up to 400 passengers per hour across the sprawling campus, 10km outside Doha. From late 2011 trains will run every ten minutes on a 1.5km track, which will eventually be extended to cover 14km. Halcrow is preparing the civil and structural design of the rail viaduct, as well as architectural and building services design for the elevated stations at the Qatar National Convention Centre and Sidra hospital. The new convention centre is also benefiting from Halcrow expertise. The company has won the design and supervision contract for the centre’s truck marshalling yard, due to open next year. Up to 33 articulated trucks can be held within the facility for security screening and processing before entering the centre. Established in 2001, Qatar Education City covers 14km² and houses a number of educational institutions, including several branch campuses for US universities. Halcrow has played a sizeable role in six projects to date, including Texas A&M Engineering College and Carnegie Mellon. Capping off this impressive haul is Halcrow’s latest win – the 16,000m² faculty club catering to the needs of the campus’s staff members. Halcrow will be responsible for architectural detailed design, as well as structural, building services and civil engineering design. Making tracks: the Halcrow team plans its next move

Oil and water

The sprawling Mangala oil field in Rajasthan, northern India, is among the country’s most prolific, with extraction giant Cairn India pumping out in excess of 125,000 barrels every day.

In 2006, heavy flooding engulfed the area where the Mangala processing terminal now stands, causing widespread damage. As the waters receded, Halcrow was commissioned to carry out flood studies and detailed designs to safeguard Cairn India’s planned Construction work is well underway at the Mangala site processing facilities. With these components given the green light, Halcrow was awarded the project management and site supervision contracts. Kicking off in November 2008, the first phase of the gabion wall and revetment works was completed by contractor Maccaferri in November the following year. Work on the remaining stages – the north and south closures – began in May 2010.

The Zhuzhou barrage is similar to the Tugatang scheme

Waters of paradise In classical Islamic literature it was named as one of the four rivers of paradise. Now, the waters of the XiangJiang River, which flows for 856km through southern China, are to be harnessed to support the country’s breakneck economic growth. A huge barrage complex at Tugutang, in the river’s upper reaches, will house an 80MW hydropower plant. Equipped with a 10m-high ship lock, the barrage will ensure a constant minimum water depth allowing 2,000-tonne barges to navigate the river. A 1.2km-long bridge will be built downstream to carry road traffic over the river. The Tugutang complex is one of nine barrage complexes planned on tributaries of the Yangtze River. When the barrage scheme is complete, bulk cargo and container traffic will be able to move freely from China’s interior to the sea along a network of environmentally sound and navigable waterways. Halcrow has been appointed by the Asian Development Bank to conduct a technical due diligence assessment for the first stage of the project. The second stage will see Halcrow provide support and advice on a number of river ports which are included in China’s XiangJiang river master plan. Colleagues from Halcrow’s economics and business solutions team based in China, Malaysia, North America, the Middle East and the UK will pool their expertise for the project, led by project manager Julio Schreier and project director Phil Johnson.

Assistant construction managers Ravinder Sason and Jitendra Manwani steered the project management and site supervision services provided by Halcrow, holding the fort until project manager Gordon Edwards jetted in from his Manila base a few weeks later. Approximately 75 per cent of the second phase is now complete, which involves excavating around 60,000m³ of soil and the installation of 11,000m³ of gabion boxes, reno mattresses and the associated stone filling. The design also specifies some 50,000m³ of backfilling. Project director Iftikhar Drabu commented: “The team has effectively pulled together to deliver this project, overcoming numerous construction interface problems in the process. Work was carried out in searing temperatures and sand storms, with activity on site seven days a week and 12-hour days the norm.”

Just add

r e t a w

New pipeline to provide Jordan with alternative water supply ith the twin pressures of population growth and climate change set to squeeze dry already parched nations, governments around the world are frantically assessing their water options.

The arid Middle East is feeling the dehydrated pinch of a prolonged deficit and Jordan, the region’s most water-stressed country, is in a more perilous position than most. Renewable water resources per capita have declined dramatically over a single generation, and by 2025 will have dwindled to half their current level. Five successive years of below-average rainfall have compounded the country’s water stress, fuelling fears that the worst is yet to come when manmade climate change bites. The Disi-Mudawarra water supply scheme is going some way to easing the water woes of Amman, the Jordanian capital, where household taps are currently unable to provide water around the clock. Halcrow has been involved in the £640 million project for ten years, and is now seeing the tangible results of its input take shape. At present, the country’s main conduit is the 110km-long King Abdullah Canal which taps into the River Jordan and River Yarmouk, irrigating around 8,000 farms and supplying Amman. Both rivers are diverted upstream by Israel and Syria, depleting Jordan’s share, and this severely limited resource is already being consumed as fast as it is replenished. 12

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Under the build, operate, transfer (BOT) project, a 325km-long pipeline will pump water extracted from the ancient Disi aquifer in the southern region of Mudawarra to Amman, providing 100 million m³ per year – a third of the capital’s annual requirements – by 2013. Forecasters estimate the non-renewable resource will viably generate water for at least 50 years. In its role as owner’s engineer to project company DIWACO, Halcrow is responsible for reviewing the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contractor’s designs and documents. The team is also providing construction supervision services, along with specialist technical, quality control and assurance advice.

The non-renewable resource will viably generate water for at least 50 years “DIWACO is planning to dig 64 wells in total,” explained project director Martin Smith, “of which 55 are for producing water and nine will serve as piezometer wells to measure water drawdown. Of the 55 production wells, 46 will be used at any one time with the rest remaining on standby.” The four-year construction programme began in June 2009. DIWACO’s EPC contractor and its subcontractors are currently drilling wells, installing collector pipelines, and building a pumping station at the 400km² well-field site.

Digging deep: workers install a well lining

The pumping station will be simila r in size to this facility in Sirte, Libya

Main image: the conveyance pipeline is laid out in place

Construction work on the conveyance pipelines is also in full swing, both at the well field and in Amman. A planned pumping station at Madaba Bridge will pump water on to a new reservoir at Abu Alanda – the largest to be built under the scheme, comprising two compartments with a combined capacity of 150,000m³ – and to another existing reservoir at Dabouk, western Amman.

Excavation works on site, early September 2010

“This project represents Jordan’s initial step towards water security,” said Martin, “but it’s important to recognise that this is a finite supply. Improved water management and reducing waste will play a part, as will rethinking the way water is used in the country. ” Inefficient farming practices and thirsty crops account for much of Jordan’s annual demand – the agricultural industry consumes up to 70 per cent of its water resources – while much of the water pumped to Amman leaks out from the pipe network. As well as addressing these issues the Jordanian government, together with Israel and the Palestinian Authority, is considering a much more radical solution. Hailed as a paradigm of regional co-operation, the Red Sea-Dead Sea water conveyance project would see water pumped from the Red Sea to replenish the disappearing Dead Sea. Desalinated drinking water would be siphoned off to supply each of the partnering countries. “This ambitious plan is still very much in its early stages,” said Martin. “Getting investment has been a problem and there are some serious concerns about the environmental impact of mixing waters of the two seas, especially given the Dead Sea’s unique salt concentration. A feasibility study and a series of consultation meetings are underway, and Halcrow is well placed to support the project as and when it moves forward.”

Disi in digits • the pipeline will pump 100 million m³ per year to the capital, Amman, by early 2013 • 64 wells in total will be dug in the ancient Disi aquifer • water production wells will be dug to a depth of 500m to 600m • the 325km pipeline will run through Maan, Tafileh, Karak, Madaba and Amman

Project profiles Celebrating excellence

Before the flood

The centre’s exterior. Images courtesy of Steven Evans Photography. Architect: B+H Architects

Fitness fans at one of Canada’s leading universities are spoilt for choice at their new sports and recreation complex.

Gym users enjoy open spaces

The Queen’s Centre at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, more than doubles the university’s athletic facilities. Halcrow Yolles provided structural engineering services for the project, which includes a new gymnasium, an aquatic centre, a fitness centre and a base for the university’s school of kinesiology and health studies. Constructed to leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED)-standard certification, the centre took two-and-a-half years to build and uses 29 per cent less energy and water than a standard building of similar size and nature. Students helped fund the project with a £16.5 million pledge raised from surcharges, the largest sum ever donated to a Canadian university by its own students.

With thousands of cubic metres of rainwater pouring off the hills and mountains into the rivers Dee, Don, Deveron and North Esk, communities downstream know the waterways can reach dangerous levels in just a few hours. A new £1 million flood warning system, developed with Halcrow expertise, ensures people in high-risk areas get the earliest possible warning of potential inundations so they can protect themselves and their properties. Working on behalf of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Edinburgh water team developed a series of hydrological and hydraulic models. Using rainfall and radar-rainfall data, the models forecast potential flood levels in towns and villages along the rivers. The scheme went live four days earlier than planned when melting snow threatened to send water levels soaring in March 2010. Around 2,000 homes and businesses will benefit from the north-east flood warning scheme, with warnings being regularly issued on SEPA’s website. Next year, SEPA is launching a new flood warning service which will allow people to sign up and receive text message alerts when there is a risk of flooding. The project enhances Halcrow’s position as a leading provider of flood water solutions to SEPA. Large swathes of Scotland are now covered by Halcrow’s flood forecasting models, including the Scottish Borders, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Moray and Aberdeen.

Halcrow’s transportation team in Romania has its workload sorted for the next 15 months after snapping up a significant contract with the national roads service.

support the justification of the project, secure all the required permits and approvals, and prepare the tender documentation to award the contract.

Halcrow is set to provide technical assistance as tender documentation is prepared for the Sighisoara, Fagaras and Huedin bypasses. The Romanian National Company of Motorway and National Roads, the body responsible for administering and managing the country’s highway network, commissioned Halcrow to supply a host of services.

Reflecting on the win, European highways director Bob Diffin said: “We will try to bring all our experience and passion to bear, delivering the project on time and to the client’s satisfaction.”

A feasibility study – including the preparation of land surveys, aero photogrammetric and geotechnical reports – will kick-start the contract, which also includes a complete technical and detailed design programme. The team will undertake economic analysis to 14

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On the road again: a bypass section in Romania

Inside Avochie gauging station

To the Queen’s health

When the rain lashes down on north-east Scotland, people living along its main rivers have good reason to be anxious.

It’s all too easy to poke fun at overzealous health and safety rules. In the construction industry, though, health and safety is no laughing matter. Instead, it can be a question of life and death.

Navy’s not-so-little

creek

Construction industry workers are three to four times more likely to suffer fatal accidents at work than those in other industries, according to figures from the International Labour Organisation.

Sprawling along the Atlantic seaboard of Virginia, the US’s main amphibious training base at Little Creek is the largest facility of its kind in the world.

In an attempt to drive down this shocking statistic, Halcrow and its partners in the Consultants Health and Safety Forum – Atkins, Arup and Mott MacDonald – launched a high-profile health and safety initiative for the international construction industry.

The 49km² naval site provides support services to over 15,000 personnel of the 27 home-ported ships, and is also the amphibious processing centre for the US Marine corps.

The forum has created a programme which can be used around the world to provide an internationally agreed level of health and safety standards for construction projects.

Pummelled by the Atlantic Ocean and in 24-hour use, the marine facilities are subjected to remorseless wear and tear. Halcrow’s engineer divers have been hard at work for over two decades, providing above and underwater inspection services at the base on behalf of the US Navy.

A computer-based test is conducted in company offices under local supervision, drawing on a bank of 500 health and safety related questions. In order to pass the test and gain the forum’s certificate of competency, applicants must successfully answer 50 questions chosen at random from the database.

The latest survey – which the team has just completed – was the largest ever undertaken, with 257 waterfront assets inspected. In a series of dives supervised by Joe Acosta, team members created a comprehensive inventory, while Victor Acosta led the three-dimensional modelling of assets. Following the inspection Halcrow drew up an assessment of the deteriorated assets, outlining the main areas of distress, and submitted a report which recommended areas for rehabilitation and cost estimates.

The software programme was developed in conjunction with ConstructionSkills, the skills council and industry training board for the UK construction sector, which is helping to implement the scheme around the world. It will be introduced first in the Middle East and then rolled out in India, Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe and North America. Halcrow’s chief executive, Peter Gammie, said: “This is a real opportunity to save lives and reduce accidents on construction sites around the world. The forum was set up to improve health and safety across the sector and to share good practice. “By establishing the test as a basic requirement we hope other organisations will adopt this system, helping to raise international health and safety standards.”

Delhi speeds ahead Delhi’s soaring number of commuters could soon be whizzing into the city centre on a network of high-speed rail links. Halcrow is assessing the feasibility of a high-speed link along a 71km corridor that connects Delhi with Ghaziabad and Meerut, on behalf of joint-venture client Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit

System. Some 20km from Delhi, Ghaziabad is a fast-growing urban centre and Meerut, 56km north-east of the capital, is renowned as a media and industrial centre. The proposed high-speed service to Delhi’s hinterland is part of a planned network which aims to reduce the level of migration from neighbouring states and stem the rising tide of cars clogging the capital’s streets. If the project goes ahead, commuters will be served by high-speed commuter trains running at ten minute intervals. Rail lines for the specially designed trains will be laid alongside the existing tracks, and the corridors will be fully integrated with metro and bus services.

(L to r) Atkins’ Keith Clarke, Halcrow’s Peter Gammie, Arup’s John Miles and Mott MacDonald’s Peter Wickens

The big test

When it rains, it pours

Halcrow’s blossoming relationship with regional heavyweight Manila Water

ater is never in short supply in the Philippines. Typhoons and heavy rainfall drench the tropical nation’s 7,100 islands, causing frequent flooding.

Halcrow’s ongoing involvement at the Balara site – Manila Water’s main water supply plant – is set to continue, as Ralph explained: “Along with our project construction management work on the Balara filter plant, we’re continuing work to upgrade the sludge processing system, which includes the largest sludge press in Asia.”

Despite this abundance, delivering clean, affordable water within the confines of one of the world’s most populous urban centres poses its own set of challenges. Metropolitan Manila, home to some 14 million residents, is a bona fide mega city, and Halcrow is helping water utility heavyweight Manila Water achieve an ambitious improvement programme befitting this status.

The value of these wins is easily quantifiable, with Halcrow’s project portfolio rocketing from £15,000 in 2006 to over £3 million by 2010’s midpoint.

“We’ve been working closely with Manila Water for five years now, providing procurement, project management and technical support services,” said Ralph Parkin, regional manager for water and power in east Asia. “Our core values are closely aligned – Manila Water’s stated aims include building sustainable communities and preserving the environment – and we are clearly seeing the fruits of this partnership.”

With Manila Water setting its sights on the Asia-Pacific region, Halcrow is supporting this strategic client’s growth ambitions. The recent acquisition of United Utilities’ Australian business, which operates 22 wastewater treatment plants, nine reuse schemes and four desalination plants, adds a sense of impetus and urgency to the rhetoric of expansion. Rather than hovering in Manila Water’s slipstream, Halcrow is jointly exploring the scope for regional diversification. In April, Peter Gammie met with Manila Water’s president and company directors to discuss the organisation’s aspirations.

Secured in quick succession, recent project wins are testament to this blossoming relationship. In June, the client commissioned Halcrow to review the design of its £100 million NovalichesBalara Aqueduct project, just two weeks after awarding it the construction management contract for the Balara filter plant desludging system. Design review and procurement activities on the aqueduct scheme began in July, and the team hopes to secure further construction management work following the design review and bid process.

Comfortably sustaining double-digit growth over several years, Manila Water is set to develop as strong a presence and identity in the Asia-Pacific region as the Philippines. Halcrow, too, shows no sign of slowing its onward march. The Manila-based team has more than doubled in size since the start of 2010 – swelling from nine to 19 employees – with plans for further growth to match Manila Water’s expansion drive, construction starting on numerous sites and to provide support for other clients.

Halcrow also secured a contract to provide detailed design services for the Marikina North sewerage network project, which forms part of a wider programme to clean up the rivers within Manila Water’s catchment area. The company is also working on the procurement, design review and construction management of the Marikina sewage treatment plant – the largest to be built in the Philippines with a processing capacity of 100 million litres per day (MLD) – as well as the construction of the associated sewer network and a further 40 MLD treatment plant at Taguig. August ended with yet another success when Halcrow was commissioned to develop a new integrated strategy to manage the sludge from Manila Water’s water and wastewater treatment plants – both for existing facilities and those to be built in the future. This contract propels Halcrow into an enviable position to win possible downstream works and, as an exemplar project, will serve as a magnet for other clients in the region.

And the payoffs are clearly evident. “This success story highlights the value of giving great client care and really understanding the client’s needs,” said Ralph. “Manila Water often engages Halcrow’s services via sole sourced or selected invitation bids. This has resulted in projects being delivered with an excellent cash flow and high quality of earnings.” Bridge over troubled water: the team scopes Manila Water’s proposed Tayabasan water supply project

La Mesa Dam, part of the NovalichesBalara Aqueduct project

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Slice of the past As the industrial revolution irreversibly transformed the UK, towns and cities across the country carved out a niche in the mass production of goods, becoming virtually synonymous with their output. Stoke-on-Trent churned out pottery, Sheffield made steel and Swindon was home to a giant railway works manufacturing carriages and engines for the ever-expanding rail network.

Focus on

forensics Forensic science has shot to prominence with the proliferation of television detective dramas – a surge in interest dubbed ‘the CSI effect’ after the hit US series Crime Scene Investigation. But while these fictional representations and their grisly crimes have developed a cult following, other forensic applications remain under the public radar.

Park life: the bridge connects the town centre and newly landscaped areas

During the 19th century, Wednesfield – a town within the modern city of Wolverhampton – established itself as the world’s trap-making capital, producing a range of devices to capture animals for fur and control vermin. With a clear nod to this industrial heritage, the Halcrowdesigned Trap Makers Bridge was officially opened by the city’s mayor on 7 June. Subtly combining modern design with Victorian engineering aesthetics, the structure reflects the intertwined histories of manufacturing industries and the canal network. Tension control bolts – which closely resemble old-fashioned rivets – were used to create a tangible link to the past. Linking the town centre with a newly developed park, the bridge is part of a wider regeneration scheme and significantly opens up the canal area for redevelopment. It also provides an alternative pedestrian crossing, diverting foot traffic from a narrow, hazardous road bridge. Providing disability and cycle access, the six-span S-curved steel bridge was designed to fit the compact site and is supported by a spine beam deck. This feature, coupled with the parapet design, ensures that all users – those crossing the bridge and passing beneath on the towpath or canal – can appreciate its striking visual appeal. Halcrow’s Swindon-based bridges team designed the structure to be fabricated entirely off site and erected in manageable sections, minimising disruption to canal users, walkers and people accessing the park. Simple bolted connections avoided the need for on-site welding. Partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the project was commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council’s culture and leisure services in partnership with British Waterways.

Although a television show is probably a way off, forensic engineering’s range of applications is helping its proponents carve out a specialised niche in building and infrastructure investigation – and Halcrow’s asset management team is leading the charge. Forensic engineering investigates components, structures or materials that fail to perform as intended – either at the point of construction, in service or in the aftermath of a fire or explosion. While buildings collapsing in a plume of dust and rubble tend to grab headlines, the discipline is more readily applied in cases investigating failures in serviceability and performance over a structure’s lifespan. “Much of the work we do is commissioned to support a claim for compensation or a lawsuit, or to expedite an agreed settlement between two parties,” explained senior materials engineer Jeremy Ingham. “The rigorous investigation and analysis we carry out provides an evidential base for future decision making.” Halcrow is increasingly using forensic techniques to assess damaged buildings and structures, weighing up the scope for repair. By removing the need for costly demolition – both in financial and environmental terms – this approach provides substantial savings in capital expenditure. Also, by enabling occupants to return sooner, it brings savings in consequential losses. With the discipline boasting a rapidly expanding knowledge base and access to the latest technology, its capabilities are evolving apace. Halcrow is part of the vanguard, with three members of the asset management and engineering skill group presenting papers at the fourth international conference of forensic engineering, hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in London. The recently launched international journal Forensic Engineering also bears a distinctive Halcrow stamp, with Jeremy shaping its focus and content as a member of the advisory committee and a number of Halcrow specialists set to contribute papers. Published quarterly, the journal slots in to the ICE’s suite of technical publications and will potentially reach a broader industry readership.

St Petersburg’s crowning glory Interested visitors check in on flood barrier progress ater surging through the Gulf of Finland and the overflow from the River Neva have combined to swamp St Petersburg with devastating regularity since the city was founded three centuries ago.

Now, with the £1.9 billion St Petersburg flood protection barrier nearing completion, this constant threat to Russia’s cultural capital is receding. Construction began in 1979 before juddering to a halt in the mid 1990s with the dismemberment of the Soviet Union. The halffinished scheme, abandoned and left to rust in the mouth of Neva Bay, was revived when the spectre of climate change and rising sea levels became irrefutable, and annual flooding began to increase in frequency and severity. As lead designer, Halcrow was tasked with modernising the existing components and designing a barrier capable of dealing with heightened present-day demands. As the final elements slotted into place in preparation for the scheme’s completion at the tail end of 2010, the project team welcomed a regular stream of visitors keen to take stock of progress. In April, regional managing director Stephen Kirk spent several days in St Petersburg – a trip forcibly extended by volcanic ash billowing from Iceland.

Sitting tight: a section of the flood defence barrier

In May, chief executive Peter Gammie paid his second visit to the site, having viewed the project several years ago during the early stages of construction. Peter was joined by project director Roger Abraham and Bill Millington, who combined a tour of the barrier with his current role as project director for the new St Petersburg airport development.

Winding up the visitor list, June saw HRH the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, in his capacity as special representative for UK Trade and Investment, being taken on a tour of the site by project manager David Edwards. David delivered a short introductory talk before a senior representative of the project client – the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation – presented Prince Andrew with a commemorative medal.

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Having visited the abandoned project a decade ago, Prince Andrew was keen to view the transformed site. He was especially interested in the two navigation openings through the barrier, the gates of which are controlled in liaison with the port authority.

Prince Andrew (right) gets to grips with the project

At 200m wide and with a water depth of 16m, the colossal main opening is the primary navigation artery for the Port of St Petersburg, providing a passage for some of the world’s largest shipping vessels. The process to close the barrier also piqued his curiosity, with two 5,000-tonne steel gates floated into flood protection position and sunk with water ballast. “Prince Andrew appeared to enjoy his visit,” said David. “He left the site to go to a meeting with the city governor and hopefully used the barrier project as a good example of the benefits of cooperation between the UK and Russia.”

The Eisteddfod in full swing

Vale of cheers Just a few years ago, the sprawling site of the former Ebbw Vale steel works in south Wales was a scene of post-industrial desolation. In August 2010, following the remediation phase of the ongoing Halcrow-led regeneration scheme, it played host to the Eisteddfod – a world-renowned celebration of Welsh arts and culture.

The site was transfor

med for the event

The whole of the 80ha regeneration site in the valley floor was used for the Eisteddfod event. Even two of the enormous steelwork basements were transformed for the festival, with one being turned into an architectural garden design. In addition to the excitement of the celebrations, the event provided a useful opportunity to showcase the latest developments at the site. This included unveiling four new energy-efficient Welsh ‘passive homes’, which produce 80 per cent less carbon emissions than a standard house. Project engineer Rob Seymour, who attended the Eisteddfod, said: “The site was transformed from an exposed brown-field construction site into a place of vibrancy, energy and colour – with significant dashes of pink thanks to the main pavilion! “As an engineer it was superb to witness the former steelworks, once a very barren place, filled with people enjoying themselves. The continued regeneration will be buoyed by the success of this event, which has left many people eagerly awaiting the day the site is once again reopened to the public.”

Going for growth in Romania Halcrow has been appointed to play a key role in supporting a major investment and development drive in western Romania. The Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013, which is mainly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to improve infrastructure and business conditions to support sustainable local development.

As part of a three-year contract, Halcrow consultants will provide technical assistance and expertise to evaluate proposed development projects in the western development area, one of eight regions earmarked for infrastructure improvement. The area being targeted covers Arad, Caras-Severin, Hunedoara and Timis counties. Among the projects which could be taken forward are new roads and bridges, civil and industrial construction projects, installation and the provision of medical equipment. Although Halcrow is already well established in Romania, this represents the first time the company has been awarded this type of contract in the country. Project co-ordinator Florin Arimia said: “Halcrow will provide an overview of projects from the initial proposal through to implementation and completion. “We will provide support in the technical evaluation of the feasibility of projects and their detailed design, including calculations and cost estimates. Additionally, we will report on bills of quantities and assist in evaluating the final value of the assets, services and works which have been provided.”

Best foot forward: Eisteddfod participants in traditional dress

Once completed in 2014, the regeneration scheme will generate some 2,000 jobs and feature urban squares, a community hospital and learning facilities, new homes and a business hub. Halcrow is providing ongoing environmental and design services as the project moves forward.

Old meets new: Timisoara’s ancient castle

Project profiles Celebrating excellence

Achilles salutes Ipswich flood defences England’s longest day of the year shed a warm glow over Halcrow’s Ipswich flood defence team.

The Ipswich flood defe nce scheme takes shape

pre-qualifying stage for numerous commissions with clients. “This is a really pleasing result for Halcrow,” said Bruce Langston, associate director, water. “Independent third-party schemes such as UVDB Verify are widely recognised and actively promoted by construction industry clients and the UK government’s Health and Safety Executive.

On 21 June, the team’s work was subject to an exacting audit by Achilles Verify, one of the UK’s leading third party accreditation organisations. The auditors used the utilities vendor database (UVDB) to assess how Halcrow’s management systems were implemented and interacted with the client and contractors on the project. If members of the project team were holding their breath in anticipation, they needn’t have worried. In every category – environment, quality, and health and safety – the team’s input on the four-year project achieved near-perfect scores of just over 98 per cent. This stand-out performance compares with an industry average of 65 per cent. It will provide a huge boost to Halcrow’s credibility in the

“Our water company frameworks are conditional on Halcrow maintaining and showing continuous improvement with Achilles Verify, particularly as we lead into asset management period five (AMP5).” Bruce paid tribute to team members Karen Howells, Tony Hoyle and David Cross who gathered and presented evidence. Led by Charles Schelpe, the Peterborough-based team has been working for four years designing and managing the project to build flood defences on the River Orwell.

Captain of industry The multi-billion-pound Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) epitomises this astute investment. Located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the first phase of the port will replace Abu Dhabi’s existing hub at Mina Zayed, and Halcrow is set to play a pivotal role in the delivery of two adjacent sections of the scheme. Contractors Ed Zublin and Al Jaber formed a joint venture to secure the design and build contract 209 and subsequently awarded Halcrow the lead design consultant role for design and supervision services. Just a few weeks later, Korean heavyweight Hyundai Contracting followed suit and appointed Halcrow to the same position for contract 211. This initial phase will be operational by 2012, with the contractors currently sizing up their respective two-year programmes. As well as reviewing existing designs for the offshore civil and building works, Halcrow is tasked with designing new facilities including warehouses, helipads, control buildings and all site-wide utilities – electrical, drainage, sewerage, potable water and telecoms systems. The transportation business group’s Abu Dhabi-based infrastructure team led the bids with support from colleagues in property, and water and power. Proposed lead design manager Ian Smith worked closely with transportation’s major projects director Adrian Shambler to secure over £2 million in combined fees. An aerial view of the site

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“This is a real coup for Halcrow,” said Adrian. “It comes as a result of demonstrating that having one consultant manage similar, sometimes interlinked designs on both contracts was the best option for the project. It is also a big step in our strategic aim of developing strong relationships with high-profile contractors in Abu Dhabi, as it is anticipated that more major projects will be procured by design and build in the future.” Once completed in 2030, the industrial zone will eventually stretch over 420km². From an initial capacity of 2 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 9 million tonnes of general cargo, the port complex’s processing capability will swell to 15 million TEUs and 35 million tonnes of cargo within two decades. This longer-term development plan forms a central component of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 – a strategy focused on the emirate’s industrial and economic diversification. Served by a world-class port, transportation links and other facilities, this prudent investment will act as a platform for Abu Dhabi’s ongoing growth. Market sector director Richard Bryant said: “This project fits well with our growing portfolio of multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, utilising a number of Halcrow business groups to enable delivery. We have the right skills within Halcrow to service these clients and it is essential that we build on our reputation for delivery and value for money.”

The Khalifa Port team

Having largely evaded the recessionary sledgehammer, Abu Dhabi is quietly funnelling its oil wealth into infrastructure expansion and improvement, advancing its claim to regional powerhouse status.

Awards Celebrating achievement

Steel takes centre stage The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) has Halcrow Yolles on its speed dial after four projects won plaudits from the industry association – capturing the imagination in the process. Halcrow Yolles provided full structural engineering services for two projects that stormed the CISC annual national awards, which celebrate outstanding design, construction and innovation in the use of steel.

Two Toronto projects which effectively integrated modern structures and historic façades were recognised with CISC Ontario steel design awards. Halcrow Yolles provided full structural engineering services for both developments. One of the city’s most elite addresses, 130 Bloor Street West, bagged an award of excellence for projects converted into steel. Retaining the building’s heritage-listed penthouse and 1960s aesthetic, the scheme incorporates residential, retail and commercial space within and above the existing structure.

130 Bloor Street West

The Art Gallery of Ontario

Creating an intrinsic connection between people and art was a fundamental aim of work to transform the Art Gallery of Ontario. The project’s unequivocal success in achieving this objective won it the award of merit in the engineering category, with the considered use of steel serving to enhance many of the landmark building’s striking features.

Toro nto Mex Mad ico rid Play it again: the majestic concert hall

Rounding out Halcrow Yolles’s achievements, one of the city’s newest commercial towers – the Bay Adelaide Centre – won the CISC award of merit in the engineering category. Fusing modern components with the existing substructure, the project features new commercial space and a retail concourse. The building’s heritage façade was strengthened and retained as part of the scheme.

rld class

Designed in Toronto, judged in Mexico and exhibited in Madrid – the winner of the international architecture award certainly lives up to its billing. Continuing to rack up critical acclaim, the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Telus Centre for Performance and Learning edged out hundreds of submissions from more than 45 countries. Sponsored by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies, the annual award programme celebrates significant additions to the built environment – new buildings, landscape architecture and urban planning. Winners were selected by a jury of Mexican architects under the auspices of the Colegio de Arquitectos de la Ciudad de Mexico. The top projects were on show at The City and The World conference in Madrid in November before embarking on a whistle-stop tour of Europe and the US. Halcrow Yolles provided full structural engineering services for this sparkling new facility, which was designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Architects.

Bloor Street image courtesy of Quadrangle Architects Limited / Design Stor

Significant structural work was required to update and reinforce the heritage building, enabling the construction of additional floors on top of the preserved penthouse suite.

The Camilla and Peter Dalglish Atrium at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, won the award of excellence in the architecture category. The project’s innovative approach to steel framing enabled long spans to be used, resulting in an abundance of natural light and a highly transparent space.

Awardsgenerously Giving Halcrow Foundation Celebrating achievement

With its irregular, russet-toned form – inspired by the natural rock formations of the Yorkshire Dales and the work of locally born sculptor Henry Moore – Leeds Metropolitan University’s Broadcasting Place development has been lauded as one of the most notable additions to the UK city’s skyline in recent decades.

Along with celebrating the design, technical and sustainable innovations brought to life by outstanding tall buildings, the international awards recognise their positive contribution to vibrant cityscapes, and to the lives of their inhabitants and local communities. Halcrow Yolles provided structural engineering services for the iconic Broadcasting Place, which captures the essence of Yorkshire’s rugged landscape with its naturally corroded steel exterior.

Broad appeal: the building’s striking façade has proved hugely popular

The faculty of arts and society’s new home, which opened in September 2009, is built on the site of the former BBC studios on Woodhouse Lane. The BBC moved to the site in 1933 following the growth of radio during the inter-war years, before moving back to Leeds city centre in 2006.

The university’s new development recently received the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s (CTBUH) overall title for 2010, as well as being named the best tall building in Europe earlier in the year.

net floor plate, while the considered use of concrete as a building material contributed to the building’s ‘very good’ rating under the BRE environmental assessment method (BREEAM). Post-tensioning to the horizontal structure minimised the overall weight supported by the foundations. This in turn reduced the number and size of load-bearing piles required, curbing costs. Sponsored by architecture, engineering, planning and construction professionals to foster global knowledge sharing, the CTBUH is synonymous with tall buildings. An authoritative source of information, the CTBUH is also the last word on building height and crowns the winner of the world’s tallest building.

Towering 23 storeys above campus, the building’s striking angular façade creates spaces for student accommodation and teaching, open-plan studios, offices, a church, and a cafe and exhibition space. The Halcrow Yolles team ably solved a handful of design challenges, resulting in significant added value for the client and the architect, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. High-strength concrete was used for the columns at the lower levels to maximise the

Taking a LEAF out of Leeds’ book Adding further accolades to its trophy cabinet, Broadcasting Place also picked up the title of mixed-use building of the year at the LEAF Awards 2010. The project was selected from a four-strong shortlist for the award, which recognises innovative designs and solutions.

Triple win at architectural awards Three Halcrow Yolles projects were recognised at the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) design excellence awards. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of Ontario architects in creating spaces, buildings and communities that respect and enhance the environment, and enrich human activity. Winning projects are chosen for their creativity, sustainability and legacy, as well as their embodiment of the OAA’s ‘good design is good business’ philosophy. Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, Ottawa Halcrow Yolles provided structural engineering, structural glass design and building envelope services. The Royal Conservatory of Music, Telus Centre for Performance and Learning, Toronto Halcrow Yolles provided structural design services. University of Toronto, Gerstein Science Information Centre, Gerstein Reading Room, Toronto Halcrow Yolles provided structural engineering services. 22

Vox | issue seven

Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

y t i r a opul ntest

In the lap of luxury

Halcrow Yolles has provided structural engineering, building services and construction supervision to Abu Dhabi’s award-winning new luxury development, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. Developer Anatara scooped two awards in the categories of ‘best luxury public space’ and ‘best hotel spa’ as part of the prestigious hospitality design awards for creative achievement.

Halcrow Yolles projects took four of the top five spots in the commercial/institutional category at this year’s people’s choice awards for architecture (PUG awards) in Toronto.

This annual programme, run by Hospitality Design magazine, is a keynote event in the industry, celebrating hospitality designs and developments that use new materials and creative designs. Selected from more than 360 submissions from around the world, the project was the region’s sole winner.

Designer desert: the resort complex

Set in the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, the resort’s fort-inspired design blends seamlessly into its surroundings and, along with the interior, reflects the region’s traditions and history. Halcrow Yolles overcame numerous design challenges – such as the need for extensive retaining walls – with solutions rarely used in arid desert environments.

Arguably better known for bestowing the dubious honour of Toronto’s worst new building as well as its best, this eagerly anticipated annual award gives the city’s residents a chance to vote for their favourite architectural developments – and the designs that make a statement for all the wrong reasons. The team provided structural engineering services for the Royal Conservatory of The Telus Centre at night Music’s Telus Centre for Performance and Learning, named the city’s best new building, along with RBC, Bloorview Children’s Rehab and the Bay Adelaide Centre, which took second, third and fifth places respectively.

Standing out amidst the glitz and bright lights of Las Vegas is no easy task, but the Crystals complex, with its multi-linear planes and shard-like angles, has achieved just that. The 46,450m² high-end retail and entertainment scheme won the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 2010 Ideas2 award of merit for projects with a value greater than US$75 million (£48 million). Halcrow Yolles provided full structural engineering services for the complex and several of its retail tenants. With its jagged geometric roofline, comprising 19 separate planar and arcade roofs, Crystals is a bold feat of modern engineering. Thousands of huge leaning columns, curving trusses and straight members made up of 16,455 uniquely fabricated pieces of steel overlap and lie askew to create the striking shape.

In total, 13,900 tonnes of steel were used to construct the six arcade roofs and 13 planar roofs which connect at different angles, converging at the apex of the building. Skylights puncture the arcade roofs, drenching the distinctive interior in natural light.

Everyone’s a winner: the eye-catching Crystals complex

All the steel used for the project was recycled, contributing towards its gold rating under the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification scheme.

Jury member Jennifer Redmond said: “This design shows that, when using steel, the only limit to what can be created is the imagination.”

Celebrating the innovative use of steel, the AISC’s Ideas2 awards recognise projects’ aesthetic and visual appeal, with special emphasis on design approaches and schemes that incorporate architecturally exposed structural steel.

This latest award adds to the scheme’s growing list of accolades, which includes the specialty contracting award from Engineering News-Record’s ‘best of the best’ listing and Southwest Contractor magazine’s Best of 2008 Awards for Nevada.

Image courtesy of CityCenter Land, LLC

Desert diamond

Awards Giving Awards generously Celebrating achievement Halcrow Foundation Celebrating achievement

Health and safety gold

Quality street

By the time you’ve finished reading this article, someone in the European Union will have died from work-related causes – one every three-and-a-half minutes, or over 160,000 every year. Halcrow’s ongoing efforts to claw back this alarming figure were recognised with a gold award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Owen Street project manager Simon Ogborn with Trevor Rackley, project director for Owen Street and Cross Valley link road

The clue is in the name, but the three Halcrow projects celebrating success at the Construction News quality awards simply oozed class. The Cobbins Brook team celebrates Halcrow’s Owen Street relief road scheme took home the top prize in the £10 million - £50 million project category at the awards ceremony on 24 June, organised by the UK industry publication. Two further projects were honoured in the environmental category – the Cross Valley link road project was shortlisted, while the Cobbins Brook flood alleviation scheme earned a highly commended rating.

Halcrow took home the coveted accolade at the RoSPA occupational health and safety awards, which promote safer working practices and encourage organisations to develop robust health and safety management systems.

Halcrow designed and supervised the construction of all three projects – for BAM Nuttall in design and build on behalf of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, and for the Environment Agency respectively.

Halcrow’s group health and safety director, Nigel Valvona, said: “The safety and wellbeing of employees and those affected by our work is of core importance to the business. Receiving this award acknowledges the hard work that employees worldwide put in to making sure we have an effective global health and safety management system. It is important that we maintain these standards during the challenging times ahead.”

The awards are a celebration of the quality demonstrated by the UK construction industry, encouraging innovation, management best practice and team work. The ceremony brought together over 600 industry professionals to honour those who have performed outstandingly over the last year.

Big You generally have to do something a bit special to take home the title of ‘project of the year’. The Halcrow-designed Owen Street relief road scheme represents one such top-drawer effort, bagging the coveted accolade at the West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence awards for 2010. Reinforcing its credentials, the project also picked up the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands construction award and was one of three Halcrow projects celebrating success at the Construction News quality awards – see above for the full story. Constructed by BAM Nuttall, the project comprises a new road passing beneath the west coast main line railway in the West Midlands town of Tipton. The 5,500 tonne, 54m-long concrete box structure was constructed next to the railway, before being eased forward 60m into place beneath the line. The 34-hour installation took place during a line closure over the Easter weekend in 2009, reducing the possession time required and minimising disruption. Commissioned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, the relief road was designed to ease severe traffic congestion on Tipton’s high street. A steady stream of freight and passenger trains rumbling 24

RoSPA awards manager David Rawlins said: “Halcrow has shown a commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of its employees and others. Organisations which do this deserve to have such dedication recognised, and RoSPA is delighted to publicly honour organisations which have demonstrated their work to improve performance in this sphere.”

Vox | issue seven

wins big prize along this arterial route meant the barriers on the existing levelcrossing remained closed for up to 45 minutes every hour, acting as a brake on the local economy. The project of the year was announced at Celebrating Construction 2010, a showcase and awards ceremony that recognises professionalism, excellence and innovation in the region’s construction community. Meanwhile, the ICE win was revealed at the organisation’s West Midlands annual dinner. Owen Street ticked all the right boxes to come out on top, demonstrating exemplary technical achievement, team working, innovation and application of best practice, while delivering to time and budget. (L to r) Steve Beech and Dominic Hall, both BAM Nuttall, ICE president Paul Jowitt, John Sreeves and Simon Ogborn, both Halcrow

ile: Service with a sm

y service the Lusk motorwa

N8 Fermoy to Mitche

lstown

station

Peter Gammie and Des Barry (third from right) with the Halcrow Barry management team

Happy birthday, Halcrow Barry

Joint venture celebrates a decade in business eaching double digits for the first time is always a landmark occasion. Halcrow Barry – an equally split joint venture between Halcrow and Dublin’s JB Barry and Partners – hit the decade mark in June 2010, celebrating both the milestone and its unassailable presence in the Irish market.

Undertaking a range of consulting engineering activities, this solid partnership has played a pivotal role in the delivery of Ireland’s inter-urban routes – racking up over 300km of highway works, including 300 bridges and structures, with a combined construction cost of over £1.2 billion. Client feedback sowed the seed for the formal joint venture, with a blend of Halcrow’s international expertise and JB Barry’s local presence topping clients’ wish lists. This shrewd business decision clearly paid off – the venture’s turnover has exceeded £50 million since its inception. Resources and support initially flowed across the Irish Sea from the Glasgow office, with a number of UK teams also chipping in over the years, notably Manchester and Cardiff. More recently, Halcrow’s input to the venture has been increasingly locally based, mirroring the company’s expanding operations in Dublin.

Reading like a ‘who’s who’ of high-profile clients and schemes, Halcrow Barry’s project portfolio includes the 60km N8 Cashel to Fermoy link, the 20km N7 Naas Road widening and the 64km M3 motorway scheme. The venture acted as client’s adviser for each, along with the construction of several motorway service stations. On the other side of the project fence, Halcrow Barry served as the contractor’s designer for a slew of schemes including the N9 Powerstown to Prumplestown (Carlow Bypass), N4 Lucan Bypass, N4 Dromod Roosky and the A2 Finglas to Ashbourne scheme. Procured under early contractor involvement, the longest section of the A5 western transport corridor in Northern Ireland will also bear the partnership’s distinctive stamp. Halcrow Barry was appointed contractor’s designer at the beginning of the year as plans for the strategic 86km highway gathered momentum. Far from resting on its laurels Halcrow Barry is already looking toward a second successful decade, as director Sam McCurdy outlined: “There is no doubt the next few years will be challenging, as Ireland faces a mounting spending deficit and Northern Ireland faces cuts in the UK government budget. However, we are optimistic that our client relationships and reputation for technical excellence will put us in pole position when the upswing occurs.”

Irish transport minister Noel Dempsey officially opens the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown route

Longbridge Birmingham: Business beat Development Profiling our begins... expertise

The art of learning Kicking out cronyism

As anyone who has sat in a drab, dingy classroom can confirm, physical surroundings can make or break the learning experience. And given the stimulating power of bright colours and visually arresting spaces, it comes as no surprise to find artwork featuring Halcrow projects prominently displayed at a leading UK training facility.

The Grand Mosque

Greased palms and kickbacks could be on the decline as Halcrow-sponsored antibribery guidance comes into force. The company is helping ensure that UK organisations working around the world have the right tools and advice to comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010.

Halcrow is no stranger to Workplace Law’s training centres, with the industry membership organisation running a range of health and safety courses attended by Halcrow employees at all levels. With the opening of Workplace Law’s sparkling executive centre in central London, the training provider approached Halcrow to provide feature images for the facility’s stark new walls. Dramatic shots of the Halcrow-designed Clyde Arc bridge in Glasgow and Abu Dhabi’s colossal Grand Mosque now leap out at anyone entering the building, epitomising Halcrow’s global reach and project stature.

Glasgow’s Clyde Arc bridge

Group health and safety adviser Craig Beacom commented: “This is an excellent opportunity for both companies to mutually promote their work to current and prospective clients. In particular, it underlines health and safety’s position at the very heart of Halcrow’s business.”

Setting the standard Halcrow’s Romanian business has maintained the exemplary standards that saw it become the first in the company to achieve occupational health and safety certification OHSAS 18001. Back in 2008, the pioneering team broke new ground in health and safety management and, following a recent surveillance audit, was praised as a ‘benchmark for other companies in the Romanian market’ by the auditors. Marga Palaloga and the Bucharest-based health and safety team were instrumental in achieving certification.

Together with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting, Halcrow has supported Transparency International UK – a nongovernmental organisation dedicated to combating corruption – in producing its guide to compliance. The Bribery Act marks an historic step in the UK’s fight against corporate bribery, the worst effects of which are felt by the world’s most impoverished communities. Companies following the guidance will, in the view of Transparency International, have implemented ‘adequate procedures’ for compliance with the act. Neil Holt, Halcrow’s director responsible for corporate responsibility and ethics, said: “The guidance, which includes case studies, sample policies and a step-bystep implementation checklist, is intended to provide comprehensive guidance for companies seeking to comply with the Bribery Act and maintain good practice anticorruption procedures.” The guidance is based on Transparency International’s well-established business principles for countering bribery and other tools already used by companies all over the world to benchmark their antibribery systems.

The Bribery Act 2010 The act makes corporate failure to prevent bribery an offence, unless a company can prove it had ‘adequate procedures’ in place. Where they are unable to do so, the new law means both companies and directors face punitive consequences. Unlimited fines will be imposed on companies and prison sentences of up to ten years for directors and other senior managers.

Vox | issue seven

At your service al IT service desk team

Members of the Man

ila service desk team

Halcrow’s glob Ongoing success for

omputers continue to transform our modern lives, from our jobs to the way we socialise, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when they don’t function as planned.

Pick up the phone to report an IT-related fault in any Halcrow office and, regardless of your location or time zone, chances are you’ll speak to a member of the Manila-based IT service desk team. The 16-strong centralised team tackles issues from around the world, requiring round-the-clock responsiveness. But just five years ago the situation was very different, with teams scattered around various offices providing localised assistance. With a group board review of UK IT support undertaken in 2005 providing the impetus for change, the decision was taken to keep the service in house rather than seeking to outsource. Tari Dogra, the then UK support team manager, began cementing plans for a UK service desk later that year. The service kicked off in January 2006 from Halcrow’s office in Manchester, which was chosen as a base for the team of seven. “The intention was to provide a single point of contact, leading to the fast, efficient resolution of problems and issues,” said Tari. “By creating a centralised facility we could bring together a range of capabilities and processes into a unified, streamlined workflow.” Before long the team hit its stride and began consistently achieving its 45 per cent resolution target for reported incidents. This success saw the MIS management team broaden the service desk function to include the Americas, with a new recruit based in the Toronto office.

drive brought the Manila team to its full contingent, and the service desk function went live at the start of 2009. This coincided with the Manchester team taking on responsibility for desktop management, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date desktop environment. “We work in three shifts, each managed by a team leader, to provide assistance across the various time zones and to the Middle East on Sundays,” explained Bronson So, who took over management of the Manila team from Jackie Earl in May 2010. “Some 60 per cent of the 5,000 incidents reported to MIS every month and 40 per cent of the 2,000 tasks are resolved by the Manila team. Tasks include requests such as resetting passwords, configuring mobile devices, solving remote access issues and providing access to file folders.” Bringing Halcrow’s IT functions together under one roof has clearly paid off, with the service desk’s success Key performance ind resulting in other MIS icators include: functions being extended 70 per cent of incide nts to be solved in one to Manila, such as the day, up from 60 per cen Agresso helpdesk. “With t in 2009 increased online working 90 per cent of incide nts to be and global delivery, the resolved within three days importance of maintaining service levels for Halcrow users can only increase,” said Tari. “A centralised team enables us to streamline processes and consistently meet agreed levels.”

The decision to establish a base in Manila was initially driven by a need to expand the service to the Asia Pacific – including India and Australia – and Middle East regions. Tari, service desk manager Jackie Earl and regional IT manager Harry Duddek travelled to the Philippines in May 2007 to recruit the core team. A knowledge-sharing secondment saw a Manchester-based employee move to Manila temporarily as the two teams continued to work in tandem. “In October 2008, as part of our effort to cut costs and do more with less, we decided to shift the entire global service desk function to Manila,” said Tari. An intensive recruitment and training Jean Bolanio, Jennifer Mendoza and Jane Combate

Team targets

Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins... Meeting rooms and break-out areas provide plenty of space for collaborative working

Warm welcome: the new reception area

Dawn of a new era New corporate HQ gives Halcrow room to grow t’s the overwhelming sense of spaciousness that strikes you on your first visit to Halcrow’s new corporate headquarters in London.

Light floods the airy foyer and modern reception area, the sharp lines of which are reminiscent of an architectural practice. Gleaming curves and smooth planes draw the eyes on, beyond the line of sleek, glassfronted meeting rooms, past whitewashed pillars and raised lounge areas, towards the restaurant and mezzanine floor. It took just 18 months to transform Elms House from a cellularised office block into a sparkling new headquarters fit for a global company. Undertaking such a project during the UK’s sharpest economic downturn in 80 years might seem counterintuitive, but Halcrow chief executive Peter Gammie pointed out that circumstances had conspired to make the move inevitable. “The search for a new home for the London operation started long before the economic recession, and in the end we had no choice but to move,” he said. “The leases were running out on Vineyard House and our complex at Shortlands. “It made sound economic and management sense to bring the two offices together. If we’d tried to stay in Vineyard House we would have had to spend a lot of money to bring the building up to date.” 28

Vox | issue seven

An added attraction of Elms House was that it was right next door to Vineyard House. Like its neighbour, the imposing 1930s office block was part of the Lyons baking complex that once dominated the area. In addition, EMI Music, the most recent occupant of Elms House, offered Halcrow a very good deal to take over the tenancy, including a number of rent-free periods.

A key aim of the redesign was to foster a more collaborative way of working Work began in earnest on the project in May 2009. Leading office design specialist MMoser Associates was commissioned to undertake the transformation, working closely with specialists from across Halcrow. A key aim of the redesign was to foster a more collaborative way of working through open-plan, flexible seating arrangements and providing plenty of meeting spaces. With its open, boulevard-style layout the ground floor serves as a social hub, while the restaurant and lounge areas provide informal spaces for employees and visitors to meet. For those requiring privacy, meeting rooms in reception remove the need to take clients through the rest of the building.

Employee input was sought on a range of building features and fit-out details, such as office furniture options. A competition to name the restaurant means employees now eat their lunch in Forty3. From the outset, sustainability considerations were at the fore. The building design is set to meet the BRE environmental assessment method (BREEAM) ‘very good’ rating. New heating, lighting and cooling systems were installed in the building, and its ductwork and electrical services systems were updated. During the strip-out phase, a special emphasis was placed on recycling. This led to 78 per cent of general waste, including plasterboard, timber and rubble, being recycled in 154 skips – a total of 72 tonnes. In addition, 93 per cent of non-ferrous metal – 20 tonnes – was recycled, along with 98 per cent of ferrous metal – a total of 224.5 tonnes. Much of the leftover furniture from Vineyard House was also taken away for reuse or recycling. “The project board – David Kerr, Tony van Emst, Chris Townsend, Lizzie Sparrow, Sam El-Jouzi and Atul Patel – took on the challenge of refurbishing and fitting out the building,” said Peter. “Their brief was to understand and manage employee expectations and to create a building that we could be extremely proud to call our corporate headquarters.

Lyons’ legacy lives on

The library is a central feature of the ground floor, leading to the restaurant area

Even the briefest glance at Elms House, Vineyard House and nearby buildings reveals they were all cut from similar cloth.

Artistic licence: projects on display in the gallery area

Built in the 1930s, they were all part of the booming J Lyons & Co bakery complex, Cadby Hall – one of the biggest manufacturing sites in London and the driving force behind the famous Lyons Tea rooms. Until the 1980s the similarly styled façade of the main factory filled the block opposite, all the way to the Olympia exhibition centre. In its heyday, the complex employed more than 30,000 workers. Elms House was built between 1936 and 1937 to house the company’s clerical employees. Among its then cutting-edge innovations were under-floor heating, openplan layouts and sound-absorbent walls. J Lyons & Co thrived in the post-war period, but changing tastes in the 1960s and 1970s sent the company into a slow decline. By the late 1970s the writing was on the wall – within a few years the company had been absorbed into the Allied Lyons Brewery chain and the Cadby Hall site closed its gates.

“I’m very grateful to them for all the hard work they put in throughout the project and to all the other employees who contributed their professional and technical expertise and ensured such a smooth transition.” Managing the refurbishment and fit out was only half the challenge faced by the project team. Team members also had to co-ordinate the movement of people and materials from Vineyard House and Shortlands. This involved shifting over 1,000 archive boxes off site and led to over 60m3 of paper being recycled. The clean out also turned up some treasures buried deep in the bowels of Vineyard House. Among the items gathering dust in the basement was long-forgotten Halcrow film footage of projects from the 1950s to the 1970s. To preserve it, this historic record has now been digitised and will form a valuable marketing tool.

A phased transfer of employees from Vineyard House and Shortlands began in mid September and was completed by the end of the month. With Elms House able to accommodate more than 700 employees, there is plenty of room for expansion.

EMI Records moved into Elms House in the 1990s. The music giant brought its own slice of history – the iconic balustrade from the Beatles’ debut ‘Please Please Me’ album was recreated within the building.

“Our new headquarters was delivered on time and to budget and is an excellent statement of Halcrow’s brand,” said Peter. “It helps us to say who we are and what we are about. “We now have a modern, comfortable building which is somewhere we can be very proud to bring our clients and business partners.”

Saving time, money and carbon • video conferencing facilities have been installed on every floor to slash travel costs – both financial and environmental • a training suite provides greater flexibility and cuts venue hire costs • shower facilities and secure bike stands encourage sustainable travel

• the new HQ uses a variety of ‘smart’ systems to minimise energy use, including sensor lights activated by movement • improved recycling facilities help to meet Halcrow’s sustainability commitments

Byte-sized business Elms House once thrummed to the sound of one of the UK’s largest business computers. Before the advent of microchips, computers required huge operating areas. The J Lyons computer – an electronic delay storage automatic calculator – was no exception: it filled the whole of the second and part of the third floor of Elms House. Developed in conjunction with University of Cambridge mathematicians, the Lyons Electronic Officer (LEO) computers were part of a trail-blazing family of machines that culminated in the LEO III model. LEO revolutionised accounting and clerical practices in the company, requiring only 1.5 seconds to complete tasks that would take a clerk eight minutes to perform. The LEO project also led the way in outsourcing. In 1956, Lyons took over the payroll calculations for Ford UK, among others. The UK’s Met office used a LEO I before developing its own computer system.

Longbridge Birmingham: Business beat Development Profiling our begins... expertise

Team effort at roads congress A five-strong delegation representing Halcrow’s transportation team attended Romania’s biggest highways congress in September.

Ports professionals from around the world shared their expertise at the Ports 2010 conference in Jacksonville, Florida in April. The triennial conference, which is organised by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), provides an invaluable networking forum and an opportunity to share expertise. Entitled ‘Building on the past and respecting the future’, the conference emphasised the role that port and harbour infrastructure plays in the US economy and stressed the importance of continued innovation. Halcrow’s Lake Ray helped to open the conference. The senior engineer, who is also an ASCE Florida state representative, played an important role in initiating state legislation encouraging investment in port infrastructure. Halcrow’s presence continued across the event with Sandra Rice, Charles Isetts, Gayle Johnson and Paul Starr each presenting a paper.

Jointly organised by the Romanian National Company of Motorways and National Roads and the country’s Professional Association of Roads and Bridges, the four-day event in Poiana Brasov attracted representatives from the public and private sectors – both international and local – along with a smattering of academics. Glasgow-based European transportation director Bob Diffin and regional director Donald Bell brought a Scottish perspective to the event, with presentations focusing on road network operations in the country and Glasgow’s Clyde Arc bridge.

(L to r) Andrei Cudelca, Mihai Nicola, Bob Diffin, Donald Bell and Monica Stefan

Port gurus pow wow in Florida

Andrei Cudelca, who leads Halcrow’s transportation team in Romania, commented: “We made lots of good contacts and set up further meetings to promote Halcrow’s services in Romania and abroad. This collaboration will help us grow and develop our business in Romania.”

Halcrow’s commitment to creating a water secure world was at the heart of its attendance at this year’s International Water Association (IWA) congress and exhibition in Montréal, Canada. As gold sponsor, Halcrow explored current and future challenges through a series of workshops, presentations, and poster and exhibition displays. Sustainability issues underpinned the event, from urban drainage systems and green roofs to tackling drought conditions and better resource management.

Michael Norton addresses the conference

Water and power managing director Michael Norton led the Halcrow delegation and chaired a panel discussion on the role of private sector organisations in alleviating global water scarcity.

Commenting on the panel’s conclusions, Michael said: “It’s clear that a number of challenges must be addressed if the private sector is to take the lead in averting a global water crisis. We need effective pricing policies to attract investment; governments must create the right climate in which innovation and water partnerships can flourish; and private companies can help drive improvements in service levels and the performance of publicly operated providers.” Find out more halcrow.com/iwa-event Vox | issue seven

Flood focus Halcrow took centre stage at one of the most important events in the UK’s flood and coastal risk management calendar. Over 450 experts and practitioners attended the annual three-day event in late June – jointly organised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency – which represents a valuable opportunity to share the latest thinking on policy, research and best practice in flood and coastal risk management. Halcrow’s Jon Wicks presented ISIS FAST, a rapid flood inundation option within the ISIS 2D toolkit. Jon demonstrated how a flood map, together with property damage estimates, could be generated from scratch in less than five minutes. He said: “The ISIS FAST session was a resounding success, giving the industry an opportunity to see this new and exciting rapid flood inundation model and its potential application to flood and coastal risk management.” Halcrow employees also delivered six papers and two poster presentations at the conference. A poster introducing CIRIA’s beach management manual, presented by Jonathan Rogers and Jenny McConkey, won the best poster competition.

Halcrow’s stand at the event

A world of water

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Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins...

All together now: Collaboration for Success in action

breeds success

Halcrow engagement toolkit brings stakeholders on board et any urban planner talking about their experiences and the likelihood is you’ll eventually stumble into difficult territory. Incendiary scenes of protesters staring down bulldozers or activists perched in trees are extreme examples, but most planners have their own version of ‘that’ project that went awry or suffered delays following stakeholder fallout – from disgruntled developers claiming stunted economic interests to environmental groups deriding a perceived threat to wildlife habitats.

and hoping their response is positive. By contrast, our approach starts from a wholly impartial standpoint.”

Halcrow’s Collaboration for Success (CfS) stakeholder engagement tool, which represents a structured, impartial approach to participation, could spell an end to contentious project outcomes.

Technical assessments then determine each option’s feasibility against a set of client-specific criteria. “This helps us answer fundamental questions about regulatory requirements, environmental issues and delivery expectations before we move ahead,” said Amanda.

As with many enduring inventions, CfS was born out of necessity. In his previous roles, on the other side of the planning fence at South Lanarkshire Council, Glasgow-based regeneration lead Scott Davidson had pondered the lack of a comprehensive methodology to meaningfully engage a range of stakeholders and work through their resulting concerns. Once settled at Halcrow, Scott and his colleagues began mulling over how to bring together disparate groups with potentially conflicting interests, values and objectives.

As well as deciding which existing physical features to retain, renovate or remove, stakeholders agree on and rank those elements they see as most important. For community groups this could mean the provision of public spaces or access to quality social housing, while land set aside for commercial interests might top developers’ lists.

Because each group comes at the project from different angles, potential problems are identified and diffused before they have a chance to arise, while the sense of ownership all stakeholders gain from their involvement helps stave off resistance as schemes move towards delivery.

Clients have been swift to recognise the potential benefits

On-the-ground experiences on Scottish projects formed the backbone of the nascent concept as it steadily evolved over a four-year period, reinforced by client-focused research. Helped along by a cash injection from Halcrow’s research and development fund, the methodology has been packaged into a marketable service for use on projects – and clients have been swift to recognise the potential benefits. “At its heart, CfS brings together parties with a vested interest in the project through facilitated workshops,” explained Scott. “The initial aim is to explore each group’s objectives in a completely open forum where the power to influence lies firmly with the stakeholders.” This openness is partly what sets CfS apart from more conventional approaches to consultation, as planning and urban design consultant Amanda Wetzel explained: “Public engagement often boils down to a local authority or developer trying to gain consensus for options that are essentially fixed – you’re telling people what you’re planning to do 32

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Satisfied client James Ledgerwood concurred: “CfS allowed us to resolve the majority of stakeholder issues early on. Hopefully this will ease the delivery process as we progress to that stage.” The project manager from Irvine Bay Regeneration Company – the developer behind the Three Towns regeneration plan in Ayrshire, Scotland – experienced the benefits of CfS first hand in 2008. Taking CfS on the road, Scott and Amanda have facilitated a series of seminars across Halcrow’s UK offices, as well as beaming out to colleagues in Canada, Australia, the US and the Middle East. Aimed at broadening CfS’s base within Halcrow, these sessions demonstrated the breadth of its application to teams across the business. Recognition for Scott’s tireless work to develop and refine the methodology came in the form of the 2010 Halnet collaboration award, and the team is currently working to further heighten its profile. “CfS is a highly adaptable product that can be applied to projects around the world,” said Scott. “We have received extremely positive feedback from those involved to date, and the aim now is to broaden the toolkit’s application on Halcrow projects.”

More space, zero cost While the current economic downturn has largely reaped only negative dividends, Halcrow’s Birmingham team has managed to turn the situation to its advantage.

Members of the Birmingham team listen to Neil’s talk

With its office lease due to expire last year, the process of hunting for new premises began in earnest and a shortlist of over 30 potential properties selected. These were promptly whittled down to a clutch of ‘possibles’ for site inspection visits. Factored into the search was employee feedback that suggested a single-level space would encourage wider interaction and enhanced ‘water cooler’ moments. High on the wish list was a breakout area – something distinctly lacking at Lyndon House.

Neil Johnstone

While a number of suitable properties were peppered across the Birmingham real estate market, few offered the floor space and features being sought. Those that did fit the brief had excellent rental breaks for two years, after which the rent doubled. The negotiation team, led by Birmingham and Derby regional director Peter Robery, decided to approach the current landlord to explore the potential for a mutually beneficial deal. A positive outcome was reached whereby the team could occupy an additional half of one floor, creating a trio of levels. This provided an opportunity to refurbish and created space for a breakout area, boosting networking potential. The remaining space became a centralised equipment and file storage zone, fully addressing a British Standards Institution audit observation about the safe storage of equipment and materials.

The water team then moved to the newly renovated space on the eighth floor alongside their colleagues in the transportation team. Furthermore, as part of the renegotiated lease, the Lyndon House landlord picked up the tab for the refurbishment. And when Halcrow’s regional managing director for the UK and Ireland, Neil Johnstone, became one of the first visitors to the upgraded Lyndon House – to deliver a presentation on the importance of the 3Cs – the Birmingham team was able to reflect on its contribution to these core corporate tenets.

Toolbox turns on tap Wrapped along Latin America’s west coast, the mountainous ribbon of land that forms Chile is home to a spectrum of climatic conditions – from the arid north to the rainy, temperate south. As a result, regional water availability varies wildly, as does pressure on supplies from industry and population growth. Sharing Halcrow’s water scarcity expertise and possible solutions to these issues, Richard Harpin presented papers at two water footprinting events in Santiago. Richard, who leads Halcrow’s water scarcity team, explained: “Water footprinting is an effective way of calculating the total volume of water used to produce goods and services. Significantly, it helps us measure the water demands of different industries and products, and to identify areas of water deficit or competition for scarce resources.” Chile’s agricultural and mining industries are both insatiable Water guru Tony Allan

consumers of water resources, and the conferences held on 12 and 13 May were tailored to address their respective challenges. Richard introduced Halcrow’s newly developed toolbox service, designed to assess water scarcity risks. Copper mining activity, which accounts for over 20 per cent of Chile’s gross domestic product, is heavily concentrated in its dehydrated northern reaches. The parched region also includes the Atacama desert; hemmed in on both sides by mountain ranges, the virtually rainless plateau is arguably the driest place on earth. “Competition for water with local communities in the north means that many of the mining operators are turning to desalination and pumping for their essential water needs,” said Richard. “There are many ways that Halcrow can get involved in mitigating water scarcity risks in the area.” Halcrow’s regional manager, Alejandro Labbé, added: “This was an excellent opportunity to not only showcase the water scarcity risk toolbox, but also to promote our other services in the region, especially to the mining sector.” Both events were opened by Tony Allan from King’s College, London, who developed the concept of water footprinting in the 1990s and was awarded the 2008 Stockholm water prize for his pioneering research.

Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins...

The times they are a-changin’ Halcrow set for transformation as The Delta Programme moves forward he fourth letter in the Greek alphabet, delta is used in various disciplines and fields to denote change. It is no coincidence, then, that Halcrow’s most significant transformation programme in almost a decade is being rolled out under the same name.

Underpinned by its aim of bringing the whole business closer to clients, The Delta Programme sets out to simplify Halcrow’s internal structure, change the way it does business and realise the vast potential of its people. The current structure, with its five business groups and nine regions, was developed in response to Halcrow’s rapid global expansion and the need to integrate the independent businesses which made up the company in the late 1990s. Strategy 2018’s stretching growth and profit targets, however, would prove a step too far for the increasingly unwieldy business group model. “It became more and more apparent that we needed to rethink our approach if we were to achieve the goals set out in our strategy,” said group board director Alasdair Coates. “We needed to become much more commercially focused, make best use of our technical expertise and align ourselves as closely as possible with our clients.” The chilly economic winds still nipping at many of Halcrow’s global markets threw the surrounding issues into sharper relief. “When times are good you can often get away with inefficiencies and duplication,” said Alasdair. “In leaner times there is nowhere to hide, and we are only now feeling the full effects of the global downturn. “This is categorically not a cost-cutting exercise. If that was the case, we would have taken a much simpler, quicker course of action. The Delta Programme is about ensuring we are best placed to take advantage of global opportunities.” With the need for action firmly established, the first task set for Alasdair and his fellow new recruits to the group board, Yaver Abidi and Mike Della Rocca, was to develop an alternative organisational structure. They interviewed 40 senior managers within Halcrow to identify the company’s strengths and areas for improvement. “People view Halcrow as a great place to work,” said Mike. “A widespread belief in the company’s values, the integrity with which we 34

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work, our reputation for excellence and global career opportunities were all repeatedly cited as sources of pride within the company. “Where people felt there was room for improvement was in the way we harness our technical talent – both for the benefit of clients and for individuals’ career development. Currently, the only path for progression to senior levels is via general management. This forces people into roles for which they may not be best suited, and keeps our technical experts at arm’s reach from clients.” A tendency for siloed thinking was also highlighted, with the current business group structure identified as a hindrance to fluid collaboration. The imbalanced business groups themselves were reaching the limits of their effectiveness and offered little in terms of future expansion – transportation dwarfs the others, for example, making growth and resource management more difficult.

Time for change With the goalposts firmly in place, a scalable model for growth was required. “Scalability was an essential prerequisite,” explained Mike. “Whatever we came up with had to be flexible and be able to accommodate future growth. We didn’t want to be back in this position in a couple of years, with a structure that no longer fitted our purpose.” The Delta Programme introduces a leaner, slimmed-down structure with deliberately fewer interfaces between the four regions – Asia and Australasia, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa – and three global practice areas – development, natural resources and transportation. In a shift from the current approach, responsibility for profit and loss, commercial growth, cash flow and managing client relationships will lie with the regions. The majority of employees will sit within the practice areas, which will meet the resource needs of clients, projects and business development activities worldwide. “Although clearly defined in their own right,” said Mike, “these different parts of the business are completely interdependent and will work together to manage operational delivery. The success of one will be the success of the others.” Late November saw the announcement of those appointed to lead the regions and practice areas. While these roles are similar in name to current senior positions, their scale and scope are very different.

Group board directors Yaver Abidi, Mike Della Rocca and Alasdair Coates

Responsibility for effective resourcing sits with the practice managing directors, with the overarching aim of maximising productivity. A key element of their role is the promotion of global delivery, product and service innovation, and knowledge sharing. Regional and practice area managing directors will work together in close partnership to deliver the opportunity, growth and profitability that employees and shareholders expect. “The main driver behind this framework is ultimately the client experience,” said Yaver, explaining the thinking behind the regionpractice area relationship. “What matters to our clients, wherever they’re based, is that they have a consistent point of contact, a strong relationship with the local team and that their project is delivered to the highest standards. The new structure caters to this by creating what is in effect a local business, but with unrestricted access to the global skills and expertise for which Halcrow is known.” A heightened commercial focus imbues all elements of the programme. Ongoing efforts to professionalise Halcrow’s business development, marketing and sales activities driven by the Acumen initiative fit neatly under the Delta umbrella. Representing a further example of playing to people’s strengths, dedicated sales and marketing teams will pursue and secure work. “Currently, we often see technical specialists or project managers being diverted from what they’re best at to help out on bids or with marketing,” said Yaver. “This makes absolutely no business sense. The Delta Programme will help us improve the way we sell ourselves to clients.”

What’s in it for employees Mention restructuring and many people break out in a cold sweat. But even a passing glance at the benefits to be brought about by Delta should excite employees. A more stable, profitable company means better job security and better financial rewards in the form of pay rises and bonuses. Customised career development, designed to provide more avenues for progression, is a central plank of the programme. “The four peaks personal development model does what it says on the tin,” said Yaver. “The aim is to enable people to continue doing what they’re best at throughout their careers. Some employees are adept in multiple roles, and we will always encourage such diversity. However, if people want to develop a particular strength, the structure permits and rewards an approach to focus on project management, technical excellence, business development or general management, all of which have equal status.” Allowing employees to specialise heightens Halcrow’s technical capabilities and moves more people into fee-earning roles, but it also further elevates the company as a thought leader, as Alasdair explained: “Freeing up some of our top thinkers from people management will enable them to have more contact with clients, governments and industry bodies, boosting Halcrow’s profile. “The company is full of people with something valuable to say on the big issues facing the global community, such as climate change, urbanisation, and water and power deficits, and this will give them an opportunity to make a real difference.”

Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins...

Next steps The new operating model was unveiled in early December, giving substance to words and strategy. This gives rise to an organisation that is efficient, flexible and agile enough to deliver Halcrow’s vision and to tap in to new opportunities around the world. The core Delta team is also working to finalise the mechanisms that will support the programme – business processes and systems, performance management, and organisational design and development. Shadow teams will begin to operate from December to ensure a seamless transition, with some senior figures required to keep several balls in the air. For most people, however: “It’s business as usual all the way through to go-live in early April 2011,” said chief executive Peter Gammie. “We need to stay focused and keep up our emphasis on the 3Cs.

Leading the way Meet the new executive team

Chief executive Peter Gammie

“We have a very bright future. We’ve got a good strategy, and the markets we operate in are very robust and will provide huge opportunities over the coming years. I’m confident that if we emerge as a more agile and leaner organisation, we will be in an excellent position to take full advantage of these. If we’re able to get closer to our clients, continue delivering projects to the highest standards and understand exactly what they’re looking for, I believe we will thrive as a successful, profitable company.”

Measuring success: the balanced scorecard Effective performance measurement is fundamental to Halcrow’s progress, and the new balanced scorecard approach provides a formal process to review how the company is performing against a range of clearly defined, quantifiable targets. The ‘balance’ refers to the mixture of metrics considered – client and employee satisfaction, for example, as well as the financial side. Metrics will be chosen based on priorities that resonate within each part of the business and are tailored to their specific objectives. As such, different templates will be developed for the regions, practice areas, corporate services and the executive team. Regional scorecards will include a metric related to work winning, for example, while the practice areas will have a metric associated with utilisation. Metrics for each of the regions and practice areas will be selected to reflect their strategic goals. The scorecards will also cover a mixture of core priorities, which will largely remain fixed, and shorter-term aims which will be reviewed and refreshed periodically. “The final Halcrow balanced scorecard approach will be launched early in 2011,” said Peter, “when we’ll see exactly how it operates and what it means for us as individuals and as a business.”

Vox | issue seven

Regional managing directors Asia and Australia – Martin Harrison (top left) Americas – Michael Della Rocca (top centre) Europe – Alasdair Coates (top right) Middle East and Africa – Yaver Abidi (middle left) Practice managing directors Transportation – Geoff Brown (middle centre) Development – David Kerr – interim (middle right) Natural resources – John (bottom left) Group business development director Mark Brown (bottom centre) Finance director Alan Saffer (bottom right) Human resources director (To be appointed)

State of the

nation

An interview with chief executive Peter Gammie n the eve of 2011, Halcrow stands poised on the brink of a period of exciting change, heralded by the recently launched Delta programme. However, chief executive Peter Gammie urges everyone to keep their eye on the ball in the meantime.

“I hope that everyone is as excited as I am about the new era Halcrow is about to embark on with Delta. However, while the programme is being implemented, it is important that we are not distracted from the job at hand and continue our efforts to strengthen the business.” In what has overall been a challenging period, Halcrow has seen a downturn in business in its major markets, as have its competitors. Added to this, serious price competition in many markets has brought an increased focus on becoming more cost effective. The company has taken steps to reduce costs in a variety of ways, such as consolidating offices – and redundancies. “Although regrettable, it is essential that we match our staffing levels to our expected workload if we are to maintain the financial health of the business,” said Peter. “The board and I appreciate that everyone is working hard for the good of the company and ask that you understand why we have had to make the market-driven changes we have. Our competitors have done the same, and if we don’t our prospects and outlook are diminished, for all of us.” Elsewhere, the Acumen initiative, headed by group development director Yaver Abidi, is putting a renewed focus on marketing and sales, while efforts are also being made to improve Halcrow’s global delivery capacity. The company’s commitment to its blueprint for success remains unchanged. “We continue to follow our strategy,” said Peter. “It is built on global drivers such as increasing urbanisation, energy shortages, water scarcity, climate change and shifting population demographics. These drivers have

not changed and we must focus on those areas that offer best opportunities.” One of the strands of the strategy is to ‘develop strong competitive positions within a number of strategically selected markets’.

We must continue our efforts to strengthen the business To this end, the company has been focusing on its emerging regions, increasing power capability in the UK, North America and the Middle East, as well as growing more established markets such as rail. In the Middle East, Halcrow continues to focus on the areas offering the greatest opportunities – Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Libya. Significant growth is also being seen in Latin America, Australia, east Asia, India and continental Europe, and the company is actively investing in some of these areas. Further promotion of the 3Cs – cash collection, cost control and client care – over the middle part of the year saw the company’s cash position improve by over £5.1 million by the end of August, with project capital down by £7.8 million. Significant project successes over the past few months include a UK project win to upgrade the London Underground station in bustling Bond Street, a large commission on a nuclear fusion experimental plant in Europe and two assignments on a significant rail public-private partnership (PPP) project in Denver, US. Looking forward, everyone will need to play their part to the hilt. “For now, we have projects to win and deliver, cash to collect, and profit targets to achieve,” said Peter. “We must all remain focused on our work while the Delta changes are taking place between now and April 2011 – together we can accomplish a great deal in that time.”

prince of The

Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins...

tides

Pursuit of Severn Barrage scheme reflects major project ambitions

idal energy schemes don’t come any bigger than the UK’s Severn Barrage project.

Artist’s impression of the propo sed Severn Barrage scheme

If it goes ahead, this enormous engineering scheme will be capable of generating 8,600MW of electricity. By way of comparison, the largest barrage scheme currently operational, in South Korea, generates just 250MW. For a nation determined to drive down its carbon footprint, the project promises to deliver the holy grail of clean, naturally generated energy. Halcrow could hardly have chosen a more iconic scheme to head up its drive to win more flagship major projects. Since July, Halcrow’s former regional director for its maritime business in Europe, Ben Hamer, has been working full time as pursuit leader for Corlan Hafren, the company set up by Halcrow and its partners to advance the project. As well as developing the proposal, Ben has been finding out about the challenges Halcrow will face as it aims to make major projects account for 30 per cent of its turnover by 2018. “It’s been a very useful learning experience,” he said. “I’ve been surprised at how easy it has been to speak to senior politicians and civil servants. “It has also given me a very useful window on our capabilities within Halcrow. At one stage, we had transport, maritime and environmental experts contributing to the scheme. We have certainly drawn some useful lessons that Halcrow can use outside this project.” Ben explained that by its nature, the proposal requires Corlan Hafren to tread a careful line – establishing the technical competency and financial soundness of the project and its partners without investing a disproportionate level of resources.

Fact file “The design and supervision work could lead to fees of up to £500 million for Halcrow, along with a lot of valuable work on related developments,” he said. “Potentially, we could invest huge sums of money in building technical models to support our case, but with no definitive guarantee the project would go ahead.” The precarious state of the UK’s national finances and environmental considerations mean that Corlan Hafren has also been engaged in a delicate act of diplomacy. Since the UK government’s October announcement that little public money would be available to support the scheme, Ben has been working closely with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to demonstrate how the scheme would be largely self-financing. “We also recognise that people have very real concerns about the environmental impact, because it will reduce the tidal range from 14 to seven metres,” Ben said. “We are currently looking at ways to mitigate the impact of the barrage, such as drawing power from both the ebb and flood tides. “Overall, though, the main environmental argument in favour of the barrage will be its long-term contribution to boosting the UK’s sustainable energy generation capacity and reducing our carbon footprint.”

• the Severn Estuary has one of the highes t tidal ranges in the wo rld • the 10km barrage wo uld create a 480km² tidal lake • over 5 per cent of the UK’s energy demands could be me t by the barrage • it is projected the bar rage would have a 120-year lifespan • tens of thousands of jobs could be create d in Wales and south-we st England

Major projects director Steve Swain emphasised the strategic benefits for Halcrow’s major projects drive: “The pursuit process has definitely boosted our brand profile, and our involvement in a world-class project of this scale will stand us in good stead for the future,” he said. “These projects require a very long burn, but the potential benefits to Halcrow will be huge. Full credit to Ben for his commitment and enthusiasm, and his willingness to take on a new and challenging role in uncharted waters.”

For more information on Halcrow’s major projects drive: halnet/our organisation/major projects 38

Vox | issue seven

Pursuit leader Ben Hamer

Satisfied customer

Cracking year for the old fellow

Two Halcrow Yolles employees received special thanks from client HSBC for their efforts in delivering a high-tech data centre in Wakefield, UK.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Design project manager Diane Lockley played an integral role during the scheme’s detailed design stages. Relocating from Glasgow to Dartford for the project’s duration enabled Diane to work closely with the contractor, architect, service engineer and client to develop the structural and civil designs.

IN BRIEF

Caroline Fordham with her award

Similar sacrifices were made by Caroline Fordham, who swapped her London home for Wakefield to undertake a full-time site role. Based in the same offices as the client and remainder of the design team, the resident engineer collaborated with the contractor to ensure an exceptional standard of quality throughout the build process. Project manager Ian Francis congratulated the duo on their awards, which were presented at the official opening in September: “This is welcome recognition of Caroline’s and Diane’s outstanding contribution to this project, reflecting their input within both the Halcrow team and the wider design and client team environment.”

Marketing co-ordinator Cher Wilkie from the property business group finished top of her first year higher national certificate marketing class at Glasgow’s Central College. Having passed her professional review, Li Mi is now a chartered engineer and member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The Glasgow-based engineer was also nominated by her reviewers for the prestigious James Rennie Medal, which recognises ‘outstanding qualities in all attributes’.

‘Armless fun: Peter Robery scale

s alpine heights

Thanks in part to a skiing accident and enforced time off to nurse a broken arm, regional director Peter Robery completed his submissions and is now a fellow of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Concrete Society. “While it might be a rather extreme way of taking a break to finish off my reports and tidy my records, at least I could get some quality time to get the details right,” said Peter. Undeterred by his alpine tumble, Peter was off up the mountains again in July, this time on foot. His six-day walk through Germany, Austria and Italy included a slippery descent down Austria’s famous Rettenbach Glacier, fortunately completed without broken bones this time.

Crawley goes greener Utility management at Halcrow’s Crawley office could become even greener, thanks in part to insights gleaned at a recent sustainable business partnership workshop. Colin Gittings, a member of the Crawley office’s green team, attended West Sussex County Council’s event, returning with a level three Business and Technology Education Council module in ‘principles of utility management for environmental best practice’. The workshop provided an opportunity to share ideas on ways to reduce the office’s resource consumption and waste production, and the council facilitators were impressed with Halcrow’s efforts to promote sustainability. Colin said: “The workshop was highly constructive, providing a forum to learn and demonstrate our existing knowledge to a number of client organisations, including the council. The exam at the end of the event was unexpected, but I’m glad to say I passed.”

The water and power team’s Konrad Kukla has completed his PhD at Glasgow University. Konrad’s thesis is entitled: Concrete at high temperatures: Hygro-thermo-mechanical degradation of concrete. A paper authored by Michał Ksiazek was published in the Institution of Civil Engineers European newsletter. The Warsaw-based graduate engineer focused on the 103kmlong section of the E65 transport corridor set to run through Poland, the design for which is

being undertaken by a Halcrowled consortium. Glasgow-based Fraser Easton from the water and power business group has achieved chartered engineer status and membership of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Gemma Seriket successfully completed the ISO 9001:2008 series quality management systems lead auditor training course and is now certified by the International Register of Certificated Auditors.

Muhammed Zeeshan Khan recently passed the project management professional certification exam offered by the Project Management Institute. Burderop Park’s Simon Canning has been accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Chris Ewing has been accepted as a chartered geographer (GIS) by the Royal Geographical Society, which recognises the application of geographic skills in his day-to-day work.

Alumni Obituaries

Charles Clarke (1925-2010) ‘Cool, decisive and brilliant’ former partner with a wicked sense of humour With a twinkle in his eye and exuding a jaunty shrewdness Charles Clarke, who died on 24 September, is remembered as an outstanding engineer, an astute former partner of the company and the driving force behind one of its defining chapters.

“Charles was a terrific person to work for,” said John Lawson, for whom Charles was “my boss, my mentor and my inspiration” for 20 years. “He was cool, decisive and brilliant at seeing the wood from the trees, even with the most complex issues. As an excellent judge of people, he knew how to bring the best out of them. He was fairminded, generous and sympathetic, but tough as well – people always had a second chance, but not necessarily a third.”

Charles’s 40-year career at Halcrow began in 1948, after reading engineering at Cambridge and gaining a masters degree in hydro-electric engineering from London’s Imperial College. He quickly made his mark working on massive hydroelectric dams and power stations in Scotland and Venezuela, where he lived for five years. Becoming an associate in 1963 and partner in 1969, Charles was responsible for a succession of major aid-funded hydropower and irrigation projects in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Yemen and Tanzania, each costing hundreds of millions of pounds in today’s money. Regarded as one of the UK’s pre-eminent water engineers, Charles’s project legacy remains wholly operational some 50 years later, churning out carbon-free electricity and thriving crops. Charles was a member of the UK’s elite all-reservoir engineer panel and practised actively throughout his career. Taking on large and demanding projects, he demonstrated an all-round ability to conceive innovative designs, solve awkward technical problems and deal with construction issues – both technical and contractual. Halcrow’s current strength in flood management has its roots in research into the development of industry-leading river modelling, which Charles encouraged and supported in the early 1980s.

Charles is remembered as an instinctive promoter of a healthy work-life balance, and one of his most influential contributions was leading the establishment of Halcrow’s Burderop Park office in the mid 1970s. At a time when most major consultancies concentrated their operations solely in London, Charles’s vision, verve and determination enabled hundreds of employees to live and work locally rather than commit to a lifetime of commuting. The rolling grounds, modern office space and converted mansion house set on the hills overlooking Swindon have proved an invaluable asset for the company and a great space for clients and employees. Generous in every sense and possessing a wicked sense of humour, Charles enjoyed gardening, walking his dogs, golf, and entertaining his many friends. A great family and community man, he devoted himself to local affairs – serving on the parish council, starting the village flower and vegetable show, and setting up the annual fete. Charles is survived by his wife, Bunny, five children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Graham Kell (1959-2010) A well-respected and creative engineer Energetic and confident, Graham Kell was a popular member of Halcrow’s bridges team and played an important role in the London 2012 Olympics project. Graham project managed the construction of a replacement bridge crossing of the Great Eastern rail and London Underground lines at the Olympics site. This complex and involved scheme required innovative solutions to overcome the site’s physical constraints. Graham’s commitment to building strong relationships ensured that the project was delivered on time. A graduate of the University of Surrey, Graham began his engineering career at Scott Wilson in 1982. He worked for the company in the UK until 1993, before accepting a six-year posting to Hong Kong. 40

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Returning to the UK, he joined Halcrow and was appointed to work on the High Speed 1 project, first on the Medway Viaduct and then the Thurrock Viaduct. Returning to the Halcrow office he was involved with the improvements to Wembley Central station and then, as employer’s representative, on the Rochester riverside development. A man of many interests, Graham enjoyed chess, reading, hunting through car boot sales and weekends away with his family at their caravan by the sea. Born in Shorehamby-Sea, he retained a deep love of the coast and used the caravan as a base to keep up his hobby of sea fishing. Graham fell ill in mid-March and after investigations was diagnosed with renal cancer. He had been responding positively to

treatment but sadly his condition deteriorated suddenly and he died on 26 July. Project director Billy Ahluwalia said: “Graham was liked by all and respected for his practical, creative, energetic and confident approach to engineering challenges. These qualities endeared him to colleagues and clients alike.” Graham is survived by his wife, Julie, and their two children.

Jeff Clash (1943–2010) Respected, patient and thoughtful An exceptional electrical engineer, Jeff Clash, who died on 11 August, had wide and varied experience acquired from working on projects all over the world. Jeff, who was based at Burderop Park, was always open to new challenges and his willingness to travel led him to work on projects around the globe. Across his 20year Halcrow career he worked on projects spanning the waste, potable water, irrigation, ports, nuclear and road sectors. Joining Halcrow in 1990, his enthusiasm for overseas work saw him journeying to all points of the compass. In Uzbekistan, he was part of a team which studied the rehabilitation of an irrigation system and

he designed power systems for a rice mill in Tanzania. More recently, he spent two years in Venezuela preparing designs and tender documents for a variety of water and wastewater treatment plants. Jeff and his wife, Hillary, were both keen walkers. While living in Venezuela, they could be found climbing on the 2,200m-high Avila Mountain in Caracas almost every weekend. Unflappable under pressure, Jeff was respected by colleagues who valued his sound technical knowledge coupled with his thoughtful approach. Clients also valued being able to turn to a highly competent professional on whom they could rely. When Jeff first started working for Halcrow he was still living in south Wales. He opted to commute the 130km round trip by motorcycle, cutting an impressive figure in his biking leathers. In later years, the family moved to Swindon and Jeff opted for more sedate pedal power, enabling him to combine

his love of outdoor life with an opportunity for daily exercise. Jeff’s diagnosis with an inoperable brain tumour in September 2009 deeply shocked his colleagues. When the news broke, offers of help and support to Jeff and his family flooded in from all around the company. Water and power director Brian Johnson paid warm tribute to Jeff’s continued cheerfulness in the face of illness. “It is a great sadness when such a fit and active person is brought down by illness, but Jeff bore it with great dignity,” he said. “Jeff’s passing has saddened all of us at Halcrow who knew him. His experience and skills and, above all, his quiet patience is still greatly missed.” A private ‘green funeral’ was held near Totnes in Devon, an area to which Jeff had hoped to retire. He is survived by his wife, Hillary, and their three children.

John Partridge (1932-2010) To remember John Partridge lived, worked and played with an unswerving sense of sportsmanship – a trait that rang true until his death on 9 August after a short illness. John joined Halcrow Fox – the specialised transport planning firm later wholly owned by Halcrow – in the early 1960s and was part of the UK’s vanguard transport planning movement. He worked on the original London transportation study (LTS), published in 1963, which blazed a trail in approaches to travel in the capital. Swiftly gaining a reputation for hawk-eyed attention to detail, John’s meticulous proof-reading skills and prudent use of the English language were a natural fit with the project. Having trawled through the vast LTS reports on the hunt for rogue punctuation and pruning back verbosity, the final product bore John’s characteristically fastidious touch. A stickler for accuracy, John never tired of trying to help others improve their grasp of English and was always careful to use the correct word for every context. Scrupulously polite, his aversion to ‘extreme’ language was well known among his colleagues. John’s unwavering loyalty to his colleagues remained a feature of his work. His career at Halcrow spanned three decades and took him around the world, managing projects in the UK, Malaysia, Portugal, Kuwait and Taiwan. He retired in 1992. John’s life-long love of sport saw him play competitively well into his 70s. He was the English schoolboy squash champion at 15 and later won a place on the England squash squad. Switching to real tennis later in life he continued to wield a racket with devastating effect, winning the national over-60s doubles championship. As well as his undeniable ability, opponents and teammates alike would invariably comment on his sportsmanship and fairness. John is survived by his wife, Paquita, three children and two grandchildren.

James Jones died on 2 October 2010, aged 60. He worked for Halcrow between 1987 and 1992. Richard Sparkes died on 7 September 2010, aged 63. He is survived by his wife, Avril. Richard worked in the Gloucester office before retiring in 2006. Alan Payton died on 2 September, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Erica, he worked for Halcrow from 1952 to 1984. Greg Atkinson died on 1 September 2010, aged 53. Greg worked in the Manchester office from 2006 as a senior technician within the water and power team. He is survived by his wife, Lyn, and two children. Steven Ellis died on 30 May 2010, aged 29. He worked in Vineyard House from 2004 to 2006. Brian Batwell died on 14 August 2010. Brian worked for Halcrow between 1977 and 1984. Eileen Dameron died on 12 November 2010, aged 84. She is survived by her husband, Clement. Eileen worked for Halcrow from 1977 until her retirement in 1986.

To send condolences pensionsteam@halcrow.com

Generous and sporting: a true professional

People parade Taking a break

Meet the model pupils

Socks and the city When you’re behind some of the world’s most celebrated architectural landmarks, people might expect your physical appearance and lifestyle choices to complement your design ethos. One of the most influential architects of his generation, Lord Richard Rogers clearly practices what he preaches in terms of sustainable transport and urban spaces. Trousers still tucked – post-cycling – into his luminous green socks, the multi-award-winning architect dropped in to London’s Elms House to share his thoughts on sustainable cities. While perhaps best known for his major buildings, from the exposed structure of the Pompidou Centre in Paris to the sleek sheen of London’s Lloyd’s building, much of Richard’s career has focused on the big issues relating to urban spaces – their functionality, integration, accessibility and green credentials.

With nothing sturdier than tightly-rolled newspaper, Sellotape and string, Glasgow youngsters showed what they were made of in the Halcrow school construction challenge for 2010. Primary school pupils from St Stephens, St Mungo’s, St Roch’s and St Teresa’s got in touch with their inner Brunel during the event at St Roch’s secondary school. The pupils split into four teams of seven and rose magnificently to the bridge construction challenge. The winning entry was made by the St Mungo’s team. Spanning a 1m-wide gap, the model proved capable of bearing a 25kg load. Regional director Donald Bell said: “We like to play an active role in our local community and support local schools. We have a number of successful working relationships with local schools which aim to enhance pupils’ studies and promote excellence as well as raise awareness of our industry.”

Comparing and contrasting approaches taken in Paris, Shanghai, London and cycle-friendly cities such as Copenhagen, he said: “I believe that the well-designed, compact city is the only sustainable urban environment. “We need to create places where people want to live within our cities, recycling disused buildings and putting in place the integrated transport infrastructure that will allow the development of high-quality, high-density housing. I believe architects and engineers, working together, have a fundamental role to play if we are to achieve these aims and avoid catastrophic climate change.”

The champion bridge builders with St Roch’s student Liam Cherie

Beauty and the beach If you thought environmental clean-ups were all about squeezing into shapeless overalls and rubber boots, think again.

bags full of old tins, bottles and general refuse the group settled down to enjoy their picnic lunch and the (much cleaner) section of shoreline.

In Tampa, Florida, they do things slightly differently. Sandals, beach shorts and t-shirts are the order of the day, you get to top up your tan, and when you’re finished you can tuck into a nice picnic on the sands.

“Taking part in the adopt-a-shore programme is a great chance to help the environment and give back to our communities,” said Halcrow volunteer Chris Claytor. “As an environmentally friendly and aware organisation, Halcrow has a responsibility to lead by example and take the initiative in sustaining our environment.”

Halcrow’s Tampa office recently adopted a onemile section of shoreline on Sunset Beach in the city of Treasure Island. The wider adopt-a-shore programme aims to protect and maintain the local environment and community. A total of 18 employees, friends and family took part in the inaugural clean-up effort on 5 June. The Tampa office team has committed to maintain its adopted section of shoreline on a quarterly basis over the next two years. Eagle-eyed volunteers combed the beach for rubbish and collected a total of 13.5kg of junk. With their swag 42

Vox | issue seven

Sparkling sands: Halcrow volunteers clean up

The St Mungo’s team’s sturdy structure

Peter Gammie, Richard Rogers and Tony Pryor

Watch out all you bridge engineers – there are some new kids on the block.

Those amazing engineers A picture paints a thousand words. That’s the thinking behind Those Amazing Engineers, a bright and colourful book aimed at coaxing youngsters into a career in engineering. Earlier this year, Halcrow’s New York office teamed up with the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation to provide 1,000 copies of the easy-to-read book in schools across the city. They were used by teachers in fifth-grade classes to prepare students for a career day programme. Stuffed full of pictures and exciting facts, Those Amazing Engineers shows how engineers have helped to develop everyday essentials, from computers to robotics and shampoo. It also shows how engineers shaped the last 100 years and explains to young people what they need to do to become an engineer. “It’s an excellent book,” said Karen Glazer, a science co-ordinator at Public School 73 in the Bronx. “Fifth-grade students enjoyed reading it. The book was of high interest and relevant.” The Halcrow sponsorship programme was enthusiastically endorsed by New York’s deputy chancellor of teaching and learning, Santiago Taveras. It is part of a larger adopt-a-school programme working to distribute Those Amazing Engineers in elementary school classrooms across the US.

In the hot seat Sally Sudworth’s inaugural speech as chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Wales branch was a first in more ways than one. The Cardiff-based water resources market sector director is ICE Wales Cymru’s first female chair. Sally used her address, made at Cardiff University on 30 September, to introduce the ‘celebrating engineering’ theme that she is determined will shape her tenure. “I chose this theme to counter the current gloom in the industry at present,” said Sally, “as well as taking the opportunity to remind all civil engineers of the crucial role they play in society.” The first event in her calendar involved taking the popular ‘bridge to schools’ project – in which pupils build a 15m-long model cable-stayed bridge – from the classroom to the streets. Fulfilling one of the ICE’s objectives of raising engineering’s public profile, Sally launched the project in the Welsh capital’s bustling high street on a busy Saturday. The Cardiff 29th cub scout pack helped build the bridge, attracting the interest of passing shoppers. Roland Grzybek, regional director for water Europe, attended Sally’s inauguration at the university and said: “I am delighted that Sally has been invited to take up this highly respected position in Wales. It’s a great opportunity to be in a position of influence in the engineering industry at this challenging time.”

Stable crossing: cub scouts test out the bridge in Cardiff, with help from Sally

Image courtesy of Nick Treharne

Nature gets a helping hand There was a party spirit in the air when members of the Manila team took part in a mass tree adoption during their ‘summer escapade’. Family and friends joined in the event at the La Mesa Watershed, the unspoilt forested reservoir area outside Manila which is the primary source of drinking water for the city’s 14 million residents. In total, 100 trees were adopted by the Manila team. During its visit to the La Mesa Watershed, the conservation-minded group learnt

how the adoption and planting of trees plays a key role in safeguarding the area’s ecology. The event was organised by the Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems for the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project. Proud parents: members of the Manila team, family and friends

Alix Wheatman

quers

Bill and Gill Austin

The mighty Prado con yet another obstacle

e h t off k c a r t n e t bea es off roa

go Bill Austin

or over half a century, an overland telegraph line – completed in 1885 – was the sole link to the outside world for the small community living on Australia’s isolated Cape York peninsula.

The colonial communication infrastructure was upgraded to radio during the second world war as fighting spilled into the Asia-Pacific region. It was then adapted to carry telephone cabling, until 1987 when it was finally dismantled. Where spindly poles and essential wiring once marched through the dense bush, vehicle engines now reverberate and precision-inflated tyres sink into the rich ochre earth. Shadowing the line’s original route to the continent’s northern-most tip, the virtually impassable Old Telegraph Track represents something of a pilgrimage for fourwheel drive enthusiasts. Regional managing director Bill Austin joined this intrepid group back in June when he and wife Gill loaded up their Toyota Prado offroader and headed north up the Queensland coast from Brisbane to Cape York – an 8,000km round trip. Swollen river crossings proved no match for the Prado, with even the notorious Gunshot Creek failing to claim yet another four-wheeled victim. Undeterred by the salt-water crocodiles lurking by the banks – “It’s the ones you don’t see that you need to worry about” – the Austins wound their way along the rutted track. “We sailed through the creek crossings,” said Bill. “These sections represent the route’s biggest hurdles, and the biggest sense of satisfaction when 44

Vox | issue seven

hern tip

lia’s nort d to Austra

you make it across. However, understanding and respecting the risks is essential.” After lurching their way along the rudimentary track – at one point taking five hours to travel just 40km – Bill and Gill reached Australia’s most northerly tip, where they spent several days exploring the beaches and absorbing the culture of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They also stumbled across sections of aircraft fuselage scattered along the coast; a tangible reminder of the area’s role as a wartime base to repel Japanese fighter planes. “My father was a pilot during the second world war,” said Bill, “so the plane wrecks and other military relics held an additional resonance for me.” Set to retire in March next year, Bill is already looking ahead to his next stint behind the wheel. Among the potential trips being weighed up is an east-to-west crossing of Australia, including five straight days in the desert. But even this demanding journey looks like a cruise around the block next to Bill’s planned drive from Melbourne to London. “I’m researching possible routes at the moment and it remains to be seen which comes out on top,” he said. “I think that’s enough to keep me busy for now!”

In their element Two Halcrow employees delivered an upbeat message to the next generation of female chemical engineers at a ‘women in industry’ seminar in Abu Dhabi. Clare Biddle and Riham Qaoud, from Halcrow’s Sharjah office, were invited to speak at the Petroleum Institute. The seminar gave the female students an insight into the many different openings for chemical engineers that lie outside the petroleum industry. As well as detailing their day-to-day work – including engaging with the wastewater treatment industry – Clare and Riham talked about the challenges and opportunities of moving into the workplace after study. They particularly focused on the issues that arise when students make the transition from all-female learning institutions to mixed-gender working environments.

Big thanks: Clare and Riham with their gift

Riham said: “The seminar gave a positive message to the students. We hope that it has enlightened their view and expectations of their upcoming careers.” The seminar was organised by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter of the Petroleum Institute and the AIChE club of Abu Dhabi.

Bin there, done that If you’ve found some trash, then give it a bash.

Not just another day at the office Mum, dad, what do you do at work all day? Office life is now a little less mysterious for 14 children who took part in ‘Take our daughters and sons to work day’ at Halcrow’s New York office.

Jessie Acosta in Halcrow’s New York office

Aged five to 14, the children saw first hand how their parents manage to pay for all life’s little necessities such as Xboxes and PlayStations. The day was part of a popular national scheme which aims to get as many youngsters as possible into a workplace environment. Children from housing authorities and shelters are also given a warm welcome in many workplaces. After everyone had got to know each other over breakfast the children sat with their parents, observing and discussing their work, as well as talking about what they would like to do when they grow up. Three afternoon presentations from Halcrow employees showed how engineering affects everyday lives. Alexander Weinberg provided insights into bridges and structures, Frank Infante talked about keeping environments green, and Danielle Hartman explained how to read and navigate with a map. Jessie Acosta said: “I got to see how dad makes 3D animations and how long it takes to do one task. I always thought that the people in Halcrow all had the same jobs, but now I see that some are divers, some are engineers and some do 3D animation.”

That’s the motto of the dedicated litter pickers and rubbish rummagers from the Houston office who took part in a local ‘trash bash’ earlier this year.

Houston’s trash bashers

The annual spring event sees volunteers picking up trash and other debris that floats up on the shores surrounding Galveston Bay, Buffalo Bayou and the Houston ship channel. Every year thousands of people comb the area’s 145km of shoreline, collecting over 100 tonnes of rubbish. The Halcrow team was proud to be part of this year’s huge effort and is looking forward to playing its part in the 2011 drive to keep the shoreline spick and span.

Loch, stock and barrelling winds If every outdoor event in Scotland was cancelled because of a bit of adverse weather, nothing would ever happen. With this in mind, a hardy group of 50 Inverness employees and family members ventured out on a rain-lashed Loch Morlich for the office’s annual fun day. Fuelled by an indoor barbeque they donned wetsuits before clambering into kayaks and canoes to explore. “We enjoyed paddling up the river and later, when the wind died down (a bit), we held a relay race on the loch,” said regional director John Walker. “Yes, it was wet and windy, but after seven years we have never cancelled or failed to have Paddle power: fun on the loch loads of fun. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s event – but hopefully with better weather!”

The generation game Experience triumphed (just) over youthful enthusiasm in the annual under-30s versus over-30s 11-a-side football match organised by Halcrow’s London office. Held at Battersea Park on 24 September, the match proved an eventful contest from the off. Towards the end of the first half the youngsters looked to be home and dry at 2-0, with goals from James Hern and Angus Fairfull.

In the second half however, the elder contingent stormed back with Ian McMillan, Keith Walsh and Rob Milner each putting one home. A deft goal from Andrew Trevers put the young guns back in contention just five minutes from the final whistle. A nail-biting penalty shoot out saw the over-30s hold their nerve to finally close out the match at 9-8. Event organiser and under-30s captain Michael Redfern said: “It was the best turnout for years and it was great to see it resulting in a highly entertaining game and an enjoyable evening for all involved.”

If anyone Khan

Going for gold

Shauket Khan won’t be forgetting 28 July 2010 in a hurry.

No pain, no gain is certainly true for Andy Perry.

Nor will Halcrow’s Swindon cricketers. Or their opponents for that matter.

The Cardiff-based project manager’s gain was the joy of captaining the Wales over-35s touch rugby team to a gold medal at the recent European championships.

That was the date Shauket became the first ever player to score 1,000 runs for the club, as well as notching up his 100th cap. “Scoring 1,000 runs is a particularly elusive achievement, as most of the matches the club plays are limited to 20 overs, and the batsmen usually retire at 25 to allow all players to participate,” said the team’s analyst, Mike Palmer. With ten more runs required against the Nationwide Building Society team, Shauket admitted to feeling duly nervous before he took up position on the fateful day. But he got off the mark with two flamboyant fours in his first over and then struck a straight drive in the second for another four to bring his career total to 1,002.

The Swindon cricket team celebrates Shauket’s milestone

“Shauket always manages to keep the spectators entertained,” said Mike. “Either he manages to run the second run faster than his first or by the ingenious ways he contrives to get himself out.

“He isn’t afraid of the limelight when it comes to bowling, either. His career record includes the impressive entry of ‘Hutton (Middlesex captain) stumped Mike Palmer, bowled Shauket Khan’.” Shauket is the second Swindon player to have obtained 100 caps, following in the footsteps of Konrad Adams in 2009. Fittingly, Konrad led the rest of the team on to the pitch with a bottle of champagne to celebrate Shauket’s achievement. Vox | issue seven

The pain, unfortunately, came from injuring his knee during the final match, which resulted in him having to undergo reconstructive surgery to put him back in working order. “During the group and knock-out stages we played a total of eight 45-minute games over three days, winning six, losing one and drawing one,” he said. “The final on 25 July was the dream clash of Wales versus England.” “It was a tough game with a 2-2 scoreline at full time resulting in a sudden death ‘drop-off’ situation, where play continues with each team dropping a player every two minutes until there are only three players left on either side. Through sheer determination Wales emerged 3-2 up after the extra time period to win gold.” Andy explained that because the over-35s took top spot, Wales won the overall European championship crown – a title it will retain until the next event in 2012.

Andy and his dodgy knee with the championship trophy

It looks like there’s life in the old dogs yet.

Brothers in arms: London’s unders and overs size up the competition

Sporting success Field of dreams

Life in the fast Lane In many sports, elite athletes find themselves deemed washed up, past it or dubbed ‘veterans’ by the ripe old age of 22.

On yer bike: Kyle outside the A-one+ office

Bucking this trend, triathlon is one discipline where experience and guile count for plenty. Rather than approaching the twilight of his international competitive career, A-one+’s Kyle Lane is hoping to make the Great Britain team for the first time, aged 39. Having taken up the sport in 2007, Warrington-based Kyle competed in the London Triathlon at Hyde Park in July – a 1.5km open water swim in the Serpentine followed by a gruelling 40km cycle and 10km run. Along with the expected muscle fatigue and searing lungs, the quality system auditor had to contend with the acute discomfort of a chronic injury. “To say it was painful running with pre-diagnosed tendonitis in my Achilles is an understatement,” he said. “I was in tears of pain at the finish line – but I was determined to race anyway.”

Leeds united in five-a-side triumph Maybe it’s time for the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United to rethink their exhausting training schedules. With precisely zero preparation, the Leeds office’s 5-a-side football team cruised to victory in this year’s Balfour Beatty regional civil engineering football tournament. After riding their luck to snatch a 1-1 draw against opening opponents Jacobs, the team swiftly disposed of the hosts’ B side 3-2 to secure a semi-final spot against the Highways Agency. This ended in a draw, with Ted Grant coolly slotting home the winning kick in the resulting penalty shoot out. Only Pell Frischmann stood between Halcrow and glory. Paul Manktelow came up trumps with the winning goal and the Halcrow team’s celebrations went on long into the night. Andy Carr collected the player of the tournament award to put the seal on a more than satisfactory evening’s work.

Two months of intensive physiotherapy got Kyle back on his feet and, fuelled by a carefully controlled diet of slow-release foods for maximum energy, he is now making up for lost time with an intensive winter training regime. A member of Tri Team Wigan, Kyle isn’t fazed by the prospect of harsh north-west weather: “The winter training basically toughens you up and gives you an advantage in the harder races. Every mile in the winter is worth two in the summer. “Next year I’m aiming to test myself at the standard required to make the Great Britain team, with the goal of qualifying for international age-group events in 2012.” Champions’ league: the Leeds team

Iron man Fishermen near Swindon looked forward eagerly to 6 June 2010, for a bit of peace and an increase in their catch. The date coincides with the Swiss Half Ironman, an event for which Halcrow’s Thomas Neame had been preparing in part by churning his way through a former gravel pit most mornings – tangling with water weed and frightening off the fish. Having competed in shorter sprint and Olympic distance triathlons for several years, the principal hydrologist took up the Ironman challenge. After easing into his four-month training regime, Thomas quickly intensified his daily routine – early morning swims followed by the 23km round cycle to Burderop Park and evening runs. Weekends saw him tackle the hills around Swindon, with longer rides up to 100km to improve his stamina. Unswerving dedication characterised Thomas’s approach, as he explained: “I even took my bike with me on short-term overseas assignments to avoid breaking my training regime. The training also involved careful attention to diet – consisting of selecting a large plate

whenever possible. However, on the serious side, I gave up alcohol for the final two months, only breaking the ‘drought’ at the post-race party.” All the hard work paid off when Thomas completed the 1.9km swim, 90km mountain cycle and 21km run in just over six hours. Supporters lined the route, winding around the picturesque village of Rapperswil-Jona on the shores of Lake Zurich, to cheer on the competitors. Already looking ahead to the 2011 race, Thomas said: “I shall definitely attempt to improve my time at the same event next year. I plan to attempt a full Ironman the following year – if my family agrees to the additional time spent training!” Thomas recovers from his endurance feat

Announcements Longbridge Birmingham: Development Happy days begins... 1

2 5

1) Sofia Isabella was born on 12 September 2010, weighing 2.33kg, to happy parents Erika Crocco of the Halcrow Yolles Toronto office and her husband, Rocco.

4) Lindsay English from the Edinburgh office and husband Phil are now the proud parents of baby Ethan Robert. Born on 27 April 2010, he weighed 3.97kg.

7) Chloe Genevieve is the apple of her parents’ eyes – proud dad Quentin Holland of the New York office and mum Amy. She was born on 4 April 2010, weighing 3.66kg.

2) Simon Taylor from the A-one+ Normanton office and wife Nicola welcomed their son, Oliver, on 19 May 2010. He weighed in at a sturdy 4.7kg.

5) Baby Safiyya was born on 1 September 2010, weighing 1.95kg, to ecstatic parents Sobhy Masoud of the Halcrow Yolles Toronto office and his wife, Nadia.

8) No ash cloud was going to stop Robin Wood marrying the love of his life, Vanessa Groark, on 24 April 2010 in sunny South Oxfordshire. Family and friends celebrated by partying long into the night.

3) Proud dad Jayesh Raut from the Mumbai office and mum Swati welcomed their little daughter, Vidhi, on 5 August 2010. She weighed 3.75kg.

6) Martha Felicity was welcomed into the world by Ruth Ellis, of the Edinburgh office, and her husband, Jonathan. Martha arrived on 22 July 2010, weighing 2.64kg.

Connections Vox | issue seven | July 2008

9) Oakland’s Julie Galbraith – nee Abrams – and husband Aaron tied the knot on 10 July 2010 in South Dakota.

11 10

12 13

10) Mumbai‘s Kishor Kotkar and his beautiful wife, Varsha, celebrated their marriage on 15 May 2010.

on 3 September 2010. Their reception at Glasgow’s Park Circus was followed by an idyllic island honeymoon.

11) Congratulations to Moira Watt from the Edinburgh office and her new husband, Gary. They exchanged vows on 1 June 2010 at the Scottish capital’s Lothian Chambers.

14) Braila-based translator Ramona Peltea – nee Mihaila – married her sweetheart, Auras, on 11 September 2010.

12) Shivani Wadhawan from the Delhi office married Puneet Malhotra on 31 May 2010. 13) Glasgow-based Scott McMillan survived his stag do to marry bride Angie

15) After 17 years of umming and ahhing, London-based graphic designer Tracy Newman and wife Sharon finally tied the knot on 23 July 2010. Their daughter, Corinne, joined in the celebrations at the Leatherhead registry office.

16) Derek Lobedan from the Oakland office and his bride, Lauren, married on 24 July 2010 in Columbus, Ohio, before jetting off for a sunny honeymoon in Hawaii. 17) Born on the same day in the same year, Manila’s Marichu Sabroso and husband Bryan made sure that astrology was on their side when they tied the knot on 22 October 2010 – their joint 30th birthday. Following a church service at Manila Cathedral and reception at the Coconut Palace, the release of a pair of doves and firework display capped off a memorable celebration.

Out of officeBirmingham: Longbridge A day in the life Development begins...

seeing

Different ways of

Economist and keen photographer Jeff Chen captures extreme sports on film hen Jeff Chen’s father, a physicist specialising in optics, taught his then fiveyear-old son the basic principles behind photography, he could not have predicted this early introduction would blossom into a life-long passion.

The New York-based economist regularly trains his camera lens on sporting events, with one of his most recent commissions – an international kayaking race on the Hudson River – featuring in the New York Times, a South African surf-ski website and a French canoe and kayak magazine. After honing his artistic skills at high school, Jeff turned his attention to documentary photography while at college. As part of a student newspaper assignment he followed the US presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry, to a number of different events, including the New Hampshire presidential primary. “I had the tiniest camera at the time and I was pressed up against the wall alongside the professional press trying to catch the shot – the one in which he accepts his primary win,” he remembered. An opportunity to assist a National Geographic photographer led to assignments such as following the US Army Reserve soldiers through training missions and flying around in Black Hawk helicopters. At this point Jeff considered going down a war photography path, with offers lined up to tour Iraq and Afghanistan. After meeting a few seasoned war snappers, however, his interest in ‘hard’ news photojournalism waned and he began to explore other areas. Evolving out of several years’ experimentation Jeff’s interest in sports came, he explained, from a desire to “demonstrate the limits to which a human body can be pushed”. This motivation is clearly evident across his portfolio, where adrenaline literally oozes from the pixels and his compositions frame skateboarders’ arched backs, the contorted faces of athletes, and the mid-air flesh and steel acrobatics of BMX competitions.

A unique end product is Jeff’s primary aim, as he explained: “Most photographers run after the major league sports like American football, baseball and basketball – all of which are exciting. But being huddled in the photographers’ pit with hundreds of others means the chances of getting an exclusive shot are nil.” Having travelled across the northeastern US to capture ski jumping and bobsleigh action, Jeff is now hoping to establish more regular assignments with national teams. “My ultimate goal is to be an economist during the day and travel around the world shooting Olympic sports teams during my vacations,” said Jeff. “While photography is something I do at a professional level, I would never want to make it my full-time job as it’s my main escape.” Jeff – who still finds time for a masters degree in applied statistics at Columbia University – revels in photography’s technical elements. Consistently seeking the optimum settings, focus and composition, his approach clearly benefits from his meticulous attention to detail and methodical technique. “I strongly believe it is my job to show clients that photojournalism is much more than pressing the shutter trigger,” he said. “It is a technical endeavour that requires vision and discipline.” In a marked change of subject matter, Jeff recently pieced together a remarkable shot of progress on the rapidly emerging World Trade Center – see page five – as viewed from the roof of Halcrow’s New York office. After taking more than 500 shots, he painstakingly selected and stitched together 53 images to form the striking panoramic image. From a five-year-old captivated by a camera’s function to a young professional carving out a reputation for dynamic imagery, Jeff Chen continues to share his vision of the world – one shutter click at a time.

Jeff’s portfolio can be viewed at: triggerimages.net/sports

Vox | issue seven

This festive season, make someone smile by supporting the Halcrow Foundation

Longbridge Birmingham: Development begins...

If only geohazards were this easy to spot

The earth's surface is constantly changing, creating potential hazards. Being aware of geomorphology and the possible implications for infrastructure, people and the environment can mean the difference between a projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and exposure to major geohazard risks. Halcrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geomorphology experts provide a host of investigation, analysis and assessment services, enabling your clients to understand and work with natural processes. From landslides and rivers to coastal erosion and the deep ocean floor, Halcrow's geomorphology team can help.

Find out more

halcrow.com/geomorphology

Contact

Roger Moore moorer@halcrow.com +44 (0)121 456 2345

Vox ­ December 2010

Vox December 2010