Engineering: people’s work Annual Report 2014
Rotterdam The Netherlands
Baku Azerbaijan
Niels Monster The Netherlands
RenĂŠe van Dorst The Netherlands
Engineering: people’s work Annual Report 2014
REPORT BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS In 2014, Witteveen+Bos N.V. undertook numerous challenging projects in all parts of the world, thus helping to solve major social challenges in areas such as liveability, health, safety and accessibility. The organisation has grown to 977 employees, with revenue of 119 million euros and a sound net profit of 15.3 million euros. Directors Karin Sluis and Henk Nieboer look back on a successful year. Both the global economy and the Dutch economy are showing signs of recovery. Most of the domestic markets in which Witteveen+Bos operates are stable, while the international markets offer opportunities for growth. Karin: ‘The world’s population is expected to reach nine or ten billion by 2050, with growth concentrated in Asia and Africa. Demand for food and water will increase, while ongoing urbanisation will create new challenges in terms of liveability and accessibility. If we factor in other global trends such as climate change and rapid technological development, the growth markets for engineering consultancies become very clear.’ Witteveen+Bos is committed to providing reliable solutions for the technical and social challenges facing our stakeholders: clients, employees, suppliers, environmental and civil-society organisations, and the general public. Henk: ‘We wish to be seen as a ‘responsible world citizen’ and we shall make full use of our expertise to help solve the global issues of today and tomorrow. We continue to develop that expertise. In 2014, for example, we responded to the burgeoning demand for energy by devoting even more attention to our knowledge and skills in the field of renewable energy.’ ‘To keep pace with global developments, we also began to restructure the internal organisation in 2014. We created four business lines which bring people together based on their professional expertise. This enables us to assemble the best possible team for every project,’ Henk continues. ‘In the year under review we also established two new international offices, in Singapore and Dubai. We are very proud of these developments. However, the Netherlands is and will remain our ‘home base’ where we shall continue to work on projects of all sizes to gain 4
valuable experience and develop our knowledge yet further.’ Witteveen+Bos was awarded several new contracts in 2014. We are now playing a prominent part in challenging projects such as the ‘Room for the River’ works in the IJssel delta, the renovation of the Go Ahead Eagles stadium in Deventer, the planning process for the expansion of the A9 motorway near Amstelveen, and the design of a new wastewater treatment plant in Azomures, Romania. Karin stresses the importance of cooperation. ‘When preparing any project proposal, we take time to identify the people and organisations who can help us arrive at the desired results. Solving complex issues demands the very best expertise available. That is the basis on which we form our teams and our alliances with other organisations.’ ‘By applying an integrated design process which devotes full attention to function and value, we ensure that every project makes the maximum possible contribution to sustainable development. Embedding sustainable design principles in our projects remains a priority,’ Henk adds. ‘We shall continue to develop and apply various sustainability instruments, such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects methodology and low-carbon design. We always act in accordance with the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which establish firm standards in areas such as human rights, employment conditions, environmental management and business ethics.’ The size and value of our projects is increasing, which has implications for their risk profile. Karin: ‘We must maintain client satisfaction, staff satisfaction and financial results. In 2014, we devoted special attention to projects with a higher level of risk. We organised activities, including a masterclass in contract management, where project teams from four large projects joined clients and external experts to examine where improvements can be made.’ ‘To facilitate working as a project team, we developed PLUSworking, a new ‘hot desking’ office concept in 2014. Depending on what needs to be done at any particular moment, staff can opt to work together in a large, open-plan office space or at a quiet individual
workstation. Although we are taking full advantage of IT resources and new methods of communication, we believe it is important for people to have faceto-face contact with each other, since casual encounters often spawn exciting new ideas. It’s encouraging that so many project teams, including our clients and external partners, like to use the new office in Amsterdam as their headquarters,’ says Henk. ‘Our concern for sustainable development is not confined to our projects,’ Karin continues. ‘Staff regularly visit colleges and schools to talk about their work, while events such as the Science Weekend bring young people into contact with technology. We strengthen our relationships with clients and partners through various cultural and artistic activities. We sponsor an outdoor area during the Deventer op Stelten festival, and every year we present the Witteveen+Bos Art+Technology Award to an innovative artist.’ In short, Witteveen+Bos pursues Corporate Responsibility (CR) in every sense of the term. This also entails offering full transparency about all aspects of the company’s performance, not only the financial results. ‘In 2014, we introduced a number of non-financial Key Performance Indicators which we shall use to monitor our sustainability performance. The eventual aim is to produce a single integrated report in which the financial and non-financial indicators are presented alongside each other,’ Henk explains. For 2014, we continue to publish a separate CR report alongside this Annual Report. Karin: ‘We are pleased to inform readers about our work and results in 2014. This report includes interviews with the people involved in four ‘showcase’ projects, who describe how they are making a difference. After all, an engineer’s work is all about people. In the years ahead, there will be much work for our industry in all parts of the world. We therefore intend to pursue further growth to maximise the contribution made by Witteveen+Bos.’ Deventer, The Netherlands, 12 March 2015 Board of Directors Witteveen+Bos N.V. Karin Sluis Henk Nieboer
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CONTENTS 8 Mission, vision and strategy 11 Financial key figures 2014 12 Personnel key figures 2014 14 Interview: RenĂŠe van Dorst and Steven Delfgaauw 17 Summarised annual results 2014 18 Notes to the annual results 2014 20 Interview: Sawarendro and Leon Valkenburg 24 Liveability 26 Safety 28 Health 30 Accessibility 32 Interview: Richard Sedafor and Jochem Schut 34 Notable projects in 2014 42 Interview: Niels Monster and Inge Blom
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14 20 30 38
6
28 39
32 45 40 41
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MISSION, VISION AND STRATEGY The world faces many challenges: flood risks, ongoing urbanisation and the depletion of natural resources, to name but three. As an engineering consultancy, we possess the knowledge and skills needed to improve safety, health, accessibility, and the quality of the human environment. We are keen to place our expertise at the service of society. We have a clear mission statement: ‘Witteveen+Bos offers its clients value-added consultancy and top-quality designs for water, infrastructure, environment and construction projects. We use our high-end expertise to resolve complex issues and are a committed partner for our clients. We attach great importance to our independence and to our corporate culture, which allows all of our employees to excel, utilise their talents to the full and maximise value for clients.’ Public- and private-sector clients call on us to help resolve the challenges they face. Our worldwide network of international offices enables us to bring our knowledge and expertise to as many clients as possible, while also supporting our own growth and development. Vision Witteveen+Bos is an engineering consultancy committed to offering the very highest level of quality. We aim to be very good at what we do. Our staff are experts in their respective disciplines and pursue ongoing personal development. We maintain a culture of entrepreneurship and trust. Excellence is based on a passion for our profession. We work on interesting projects which call for creative, added-value solutions. Maintaining that excellence demands constant development of our talents, knowledge and skills, including those in areas such as project management. We work alongside partners of equally high standing, whereby we can offer an appropriate range of expertise in every project. We assemble the best possible team to maximise the intrinsic value of our advice. We believe that every employee must be allowed to excel at what he or she does. We therefore work in an environment of trust, allowing significant personal discretion and placing responsibilities as low as possible within the organisation. An emergent strategy Our activities originate at every level of the organisation because all employees are encouraged to identify and act upon new opportunities. Small organisational units – the Product-Market Combinations or PMCs – are responsible for contract management and acquisition. As a company, we have certain strategic objectives and we closely monitor our long-term course. At the same time, we are 8
flexible enough to adapt to market dynamics. The directors enjoy the support of a Strategic Advisory Council, which in 2014 comprised Stépan Breedveld MA, CEO of Ordina, and prof. Pursey Heugens PhD, professor of Organisation Theory at the Rotterdam School of Management. Organisational structure Witteveen+Bos has four business lines – Built Environment; Deltas, Coasts and Rivers; Energy, Water and Environment; and Infrastructure and Mobility – which have a total of 32 PMCs. Staff from various disciplines and different countries work closely alongside each other. The company has almost one thousand employees, based in six cities in the Netherlands and ten international offices in eight countries. All are close to our clients, projects, partners and the employment market, thus ensuring that our knowledge and experience are readily available worldwide. Knowledge and innovation Knowledge is our most important asset. That is as true today as it was in 1946, when the company was founded by W.G. Witteveen and G.S. Bos. Many staff members are actively involved in education, perhaps combining their work for Witteveen+Bos with a part-time professorship. We maintain excellent contacts with educational institutes and we host business courses for students every year. We also organise various meetings and symposia to encourage the development of new knowledge and to promote innovation which can be applied in our projects. Staff are regularly invited to lecture or contribute to leading professional journals. Sustainable cooperation Our projects are becoming ever larger and more complex. Staff are often required to work in large, multidisciplinary project teams alongside colleagues from various backgrounds. Good cooperation is essential, both within the organisation and with external partners. In many cases, cooperation has been formalised in strategic alliances or joint ventures with other leading consultancies and complementary organisations. Examples include Tunnel Engineering Consultants V.O.F. (TEC), in which we work alongside Royal HaskoningDHV on projects involving tunnels and underground infrastructure, and Railinfra Solutions V.O.F., in which we partner with Royal HaskoningDHV and Deutsche Bahn International in rail infrastructure projects. As part of the Strategic European Expertise Network (SEEN), we work alongside NIRAS (Denmark), Artelia (France) and Tyréns (Sweden). Witteveen+Bos is also an active member of various networks concerned with sustainability. They include Ecoshape – a consortium of government authorities, private-sector organisations and
research institutes in the field of hydraulic engineering – and the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects methodology, which brings together public-sector clients, private-sector companies and knowledge institutes with a view to increasing the sustainability of solutions in railway, road and waterway construction. Talent development and growth Witteveen+Bos wishes to help all employees (and potential employees) achieve their full potential and realise their dreams and ambitions. By making the best possible use of everyone’s talents, we can maximise our contribution to solving global challenges. Our human resources strategy is geared towards allowing all staff to gain experience in challenging projects and to take advantage of various training opportunities. Personal development involves devoting attention to professional skills, entrepreneurship and teamwork. New staff take part in an induction programme, while the majority of management positions are filled by means of internal promotion. For many years, Witteveen+Bos has applied a strategy of autonomous growth. This has enabled us to maintain our identity and independence, while bolstering employees’ sense of involvement and engagement. Competitive salaries and excellent secondary employment conditions assist in personnel recruitment and retention. We devote particular attention to equal opportunity and wish to see more women in senior management positions. The Works Council is actively involved in the development of various measures to promote long-term employability. Ownership Witteveen+Bos has a noteworthy ownership structure. An employee share ownership system was introduced in 1992 whereby the company is wholly owned by its own staff. This arrangement provides a major incentive for staff engagement and entrepreneurship. Of our 977 employees, 594 currently hold share certificates in Witteveen+Bos N.V. Further information about the employee share ownership scheme can be found in the Corporate Responsibility Report (page 28). We strive to maintain a sound financial basis and stable profit levels to safeguard long-term continuity. Each year, 100 % of the net profit is disbursed through a profit-sharing scheme for all employees and dividend distribution to all shareholders. This reflects a central tenet of the Witteveen+Bos philosophy: everyone within the company contributes to our success and hence everyone should derive the benefits of that success.
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Doha Qatar
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PERSONNEL KEY FIGURES Number of employees (as of 31 December) 977 967
945 935 924
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Average number of staff in Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and male/female ratio 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
71 % male
899*
74 % male
875
75 % male
860
75 % male
856
74 % male
869
29 % female
26 % female
25 % female
25 % female
26 % female
* 2014: male/female ratio worldwide. 2010-2013: the Netherlands only.
Staff age distribution in 2014 2 % is over 60 years of age 22 % is between 45 and 59 years of age
Average age
50 % between 30 and 44 years of age
37,4 years Sick leave rate (The Netherlands) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
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26 % is under 30 years of age
2.7 %
2.6 %
3.3 %
2.9 %
2.5 %
SUMMARISED ANNUAL RESULTS 2014 Consolidated balance sheet (before profit appropriation)
31 December 2014
31 December 2013
ASSETS Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Financial fixed assets
829
+
14,800
2,360
Fixed assets Work in progress
Accounts receivable
Cash and cash equivalents
2,651
17,989
9,266
+
1,063
14,735
18,449
8,754
28,047 23,956 11,748 10,373
Current assets +
49,061
43,083
67,050
61,532
Group equity
31,828
30,819
Provisions
4,601
4,423
LIABILITIES
Long-term liabilities Current liabilities
+
6,219
6,594
24,402 19,696
+ Total liabilities
30,621
26,290
67,050
61,532
Consolidated profit-and-loss account
2014
2013
119,069
110,958
NET TURNOVER
Net turnover including changes in work in progress Costs
Subcontracted work
26,164
Social security and pension premiums
11,036 10,293
Salaries and wages
Depreciation of (in)tangible fixed assets Other operating costs
18,882
44,078 43,310
+
1,702
1,715
15,901 17,564
-
98,881
91,764
OPERATING RESULT
20,188
19,194
Interest paid (on balance)
-
207
Result before taxation Results of other participations
+
(including other participations) Taxation
-
19,981
103
Result before taxation
18,895
49
20,084
4,810
NET PROFIT
299
18,944
4,784
15,274
14,160
(in thousands of euro)
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+ First immersed tunnel in the Middle East
As the populations of cities rise, so does the demand for housing, business premises and infrastructure. To ensure the long-term
accessibility of Doha, capital of Qatar, architect Santiago Calatrava has designed the iconic Sharq Crossing, a unique combination of
three bridges and five tunnels which span the Bay of Doha. Two of
the tunnels are immersed tube constructions for which the structural engineering specifications have been produced by TEC.
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INTERVIEW
Renée van Dorst + Steven Delfgaauw The Netherlands Zuidas is the financial and business centre of Amsterdam. Its further growth demands better accessibility by road and public transport. The Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, ProRail (the organisation that manages the Netherlands’ rail infrastructure) and the City of Amsterdam have joined forces to restructure the district’s major infrastructure. Zuidas must develop into a mature ‘mixed function’ urban district 14
offering high-quality housing, business accommodation and public amenities. ‘In this first phase of the development process we are working in teams of staff from various companies, including Witteveen+Bos and ARCADIS, with a process manager from AT Osborne,’ says Steven Delfgaauw. ‘The deliverables include an integrated reference design and a cost estimate for the widening of the A10 motorway, which is also to be moved
underground in the central zone of the Zuidas district. We are also responsible for producing the tender specifications for the design-and-construct contract, the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the routing decision. I act as the Witteveen+Bos contact for our clients and I also oversee the production of the integrated design and the tender specifications.’ Renée van Dorst is a geotechnical engineer working on the tunnel component of the ZuidasDok project and is also Steven’s
assistant. ‘Working on a major project in such a complex location is a valuable learning experience for me,’ she says. ‘We have to consider every aspect, from the number of rail passengers using the escalators at Amsterdam Zuid station to the throughflow of traffic on the A10. Once the project has been completed, people will find that they can reach their platform more quickly, or that they spend less time stuck in traffic jams.’ Steven has extensive experience in tunnel-related projects, includ-
Steven: ‘Tangible improvements enhance the accessibility of the Zuidas district’ ing the Delft Railway Zone project. ‘Zuidas presents a different set of challenges. Here, we have to do far more to ensure that the district can continue to function throughout the construction work, with a minimum of nuisance or inconvenience. Renée adds: ‘The proposed route of the tunnel is quite close to the existing buildings on the northern side. The feasibility study shows that construction here is possible. Having examined the likelihood of damage to foundations caused by
vibrations or subsidence, we concluded that the risks can be managed effectively. That was welcome news, since it means that the lead time for tunnel construction will be that much shorter, which in turn means less disruption for the district and its users.’ Steven explains the long-term effects of the project. ‘It will benefit public transport passengers, motorists and local residents alike. The project will result in a noticeable improvement and it will address a number of social is-
sues. For the project team, it is very encouraging to know that our work will make a real difference to users. The project is an excellent opportunity to apply our very specialist knowledge in areas such as vibrations, construction in busy urban areas, and underground infrastructure. And that knowledge is being expanded all the time as we work alongside others and meet various challenges along the way.’ Renée: ‘The investments made today will ensure the accessibility of the Zuidas
district well into the future. The project devotes much attention to multifunctionality. Moving the A10 motorway underground in the central zone creates new public space on the tunnel roofs which can be landscaped with trees and greenery, for example. Zuidas can continue to develop, not only as a prestigious business and financial district, but as a welcoming and attractive setting for residents and visitors.’
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Deventer The Netherlands
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NOTES TO THE ANNUAL RESULTS 2014 Criteria for summarising the annual results This Annual Report contains the balance sheet and the profit-and-loss account of Witteveen+Bos N.V., as well as the general principles for preparing the consolidated annual results. To obtain a complete insight into the assets and the results of Witteveen+Bos N.V. the reader is advised to inspect the consolidated annual results for 2014 filed at the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce at Enschede. Preparation of the consolidated annual results The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. They are based on historical costs, with the exception of buildings and land, which are valued at fair value (i.e. replacement value or, if lower, the value in use). Consolidation Insofar as actual policy-making influence exists, subsidiaries have been included in the consolidated annual accounts. Joint ventures have been consolidated proportionately according to the share held in the company. Principles for the valuation of assets and liabilities Land and buildings are valued at fair value (i.e. replacement value or, if lower, the value in use). Fair value is determined on the basis of price indices and periodic valuations. Depreciation of fixed assets is based on the estimated economic life. Financial fixed assets include unconsolidated interests in participations and partnership firms. Participating interests are valued according to the equity method. Projects in progress for third parties are valued according to incurred costs, plus the profit assignable to the performed projects, minus losses foreseeable at the balance sheet date. Profits for projects in progress are recognised based on the percentage of completion of the projects at the balance sheet date. Invoiced instalments for projects in progress are deducted from the projects in progress. Trade accounts receivable included in receivables are recognised less a provision for doubtful accounts. Provisions are created for deferred tax liabilities, tax risks, warranties and claims, deferred employee remuneration, and liabilities in respect of participating interests. Principles for determination of the consolidated financial result Net turnover and changes in work in progress include the services invoiced excluding value-added tax, and include the changes in work in progress. Revenues of projects are presented in proportion to the work completed. Salaries include remuneration paid to the Board of Directors. The pension obligations are valued according to the ‘valuation to the pension fund’ approach.
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Independent auditor’s report To the Board of Directors of Witteveen+Bos N.V. The annual results for 2014 presented on page 17, which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2014, the consolidated profit-and-loss account and the notes to the consolidated annual results, are derived from the audited financial statements of Witteveen+Bos N.V. We expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those financial statements in our report dated 12 March 2015. Those financial statements, and the summarised annual results, do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on those financial statements. The summarised annual results do not contain all the disclosures required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of Witteveen+Bos N.V. Management’s responsibility Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements on the basis of the principles described in the notes to the consolidated annual results for 2014. Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summarised annual results based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standard on Auditing 810 ‘Engagements to report on summary financial statements’. Opinion In our opinion, the summarised annual results derived from the audited financial statements of Witteveen+Bos N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2014 are consistent, in all material respects, with those financial statements, in accordance with the notes to the consolidated annual results. Zwolle, 12 March 2015 Deloitte Accountants B.V. A.J.E. Jansman RA
FINANCIAL KEY FIGURES Turnover (in thousands of euro) 119,069
110,958
104,543
98,099
2010
2011
99,386
2012
2013
2014
Operating result before interest and taxation (in thousands of euro) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
19,243
12,456
15,722
20,291
17,591
Net profit (in thousands of euro) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
14,160
9,830
10,393
15,274
12,062
Net profit margin (in %) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
12.8 % 9.9 %
10.6 %
12.8 %
12.8 %
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+ Room for the Rivers
The water level of the Netherlands’ rivers is rising. This is due to a combination of factors, including urbanisation, increasing rainfall
and more meltwater entering the system upstream. It is essential to
protect riverside areas against flooding while also promoting nature
development and the recreational function. Witteveen+Bos is involved
in various river projects, advising on civil engineering, flood protection measures, environmental management, ecological assimilation and permit procedures to ensure there is ‘more room for the rivers’.
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INTERVIEW
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Sawarendro + Leon Valkenburg Indonesia Soil subsidence, extreme rainfall, river discharges and high coastal water levels cause annual flooding in large parts of Jakarta, Indonesia. The National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) master plan proposes both short-term and long-term solutions. The project is now in a key transition phase, the aim
being to press ahead with the implementation of the shortterm measures. Decisions with regard to longer-term flood protection will then be made. Sawarendro is one of the project leaders and is the technical manager responsible for the conceptual design of the master plan. ‘I am Indonesian myself
and I have many contacts within the government and official organisations. Alongside technical coordination, my main role in the project is communication with the client and our partners, whereby I can explain the plans and their intended effects. Building good personal relationships does much to ensure successful cooperation in Indonesia. I am also
very familiar with the Dutch way of doing things, having studied and worked in the Netherlands. I sometimes act as the ‘bridge’ between the two cultures’. Sawarendro’s colleague Leon Valkenburg divides his time between the Netherlands and Indonesia. ‘The Indonesian government is highly interested in Dutch expertise in water 21
Leon: ‘The Great Garuda design certainly appeals to the imagination, but knowing why we are doing all this is much more important.’ management, hydraulic engineering and urban development,’ says Leon. ‘We bring the knowledge and experience we have gained in projects elsewhere in the world to Indonesia. At home, I am in regular contact about the project with the Dutch government. Involving other organisations in the Dutch water sector is extremely important. Our strength is that we 22
work from our local office in Indonesia, where colleagues such as Sawarendro have vast knowledge of local developments and politics. The combination of Dutch expertise and local knowledge makes us a very strong team.’ Leon finds working on the project both interesting and challenging. ‘I have been involved since the original proposal stage. I have
been able to contribute much and I have also learned a lot, not only in terms of practical aspects but more particularly about how to approach such a complex project and about working with other people and organisations. We are looking forward to the next phase, in which the plans are actually put into practice.’ Sawarendro continues: ‘The in-
tention is to build the longest dike ever seen in Indonesia. It will be a very challenging undertaking, not least because there is restricted space. But this is what makes the project so interesting: we have to be creative and we shall learn much from the experience.’ Leon continues: ‘What we are doing is very valuable. We are helping to place the city’s problems firmly
on the political agenda and we are providing technical solutions – concrete measures for the short and the long term.’ The project has attracted much interest, not only in Indonesia but throughout the world. Sawarendro: ‘This helps to create support. Even the more sceptical comments are useful: they keep us on our toes. The end result will be a city that is
not only safe, but in which there is room for further development. There could be a lagoon in the centre of Jakarta, for example. Our plan creates new opportunities for the city.’ Leon recalls: ‘The presentation of our first version of the master plan was a notable milestone. That was in April 2014, during the visit of the Dutch minister for Infrastructure and the
Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen. I am very proud that we were able to produce such a broad-based, integrated plan. The Great Garuda design certainly appeals to the imagination, but knowing why we are doing all this is much more important.’ Sawarendro adds: ‘Experience gained in earlier projects, such as raising the artificial islands of
Kapuk Naga, has been very useful. We are protecting Jakarta against flooding, which is an important task. There are some four million people living in the high-risk area. Our solutions will allow them to do so in safety. This is our very important contribution to society.’
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LIVEABILITY
An integrated approach to urban problems The quality of life – liveability – in the built environment is an important theme for Witteveen+Bos. The world’s population continues to grow, as does the number of people who live in cities. Economic, cultural and recreational activities are clustered in and around the cities. If no measures are taken, the process of urbanisation will place the quality of life in urban areas under great strain. Having large numbers of people living, working and engaging in leisure activities in a relatively small area brings many challenges in terms of water management, drinking water provision, air quality, heat stress, accessibility and noise. The Built Environment business line plans and designs resilient and sustainable urban areas. Its staff takes an integrated approach to the issues faced by large cities, as illustrated by the plans for a large urban park in Cape Town, South Africa. The designers draw a distinction between the issues affecting existing urban areas, such as those further to redevelopment, and those which could emerge due to urban expansion. Provided urbanisation is planned effectively, most problems can be avoided altogether. Unplanned urbanisation is a different matter: it is possible that people will live in areas which are not safe or which do not have adequate sanitation or amenities. This will give rise to new challenges.
can be put to excellent use in complex, strategic projects throughout the world. In densely populated areas of the Netherlands, we generally opt for a multidisciplinary approach, whereby good planning is essential. The restoration of the football stadium in Deventer is a good example. Projects in other countries, such as in Mozambique (Beira) are generally larger in scale, whereby the challenges are more strategic in nature. In all cases, our solutions are devised and developed in consultation with stakeholders. We provide consultancy services throughout the planning and decision-making process, advising on such matters as environmental impact assessments and permit application procedures.
Projects concerned with liveability in urban areas must consider a wide range of aspects, from area redevelopment to the restoration of individual buildings, and from master planning to site supervision. Our integrated approach includes attention for social aspects such as population shrinkage, climate adaptation, a sustainable energy supply, and a healthy urban climate. Witteveen+Bos has undertaken many relevant projects in the Netherlands, thus gaining knowledge and experience that
Ensuring that cities remain liveable both today and in the future demands ongoing innovation and a good understanding of new technologies. One area in which technological innovation is particularly important is climate adaptation, where technology can play a part in water management, sensoring, interior climate control and facilitating the mixed usage of limited space, as in the urban agriculture concept applied in Almere. Witteveen+Bos is increasingly called upon to advise on the use of sustainable materials and 3D-printed concrete. Energy efficiency in urban environments is another recurring theme, in which we are able to contribute extensive knowledge in the field of ‘smart cities’, sensoring and data collection. New technologies which support the traditional skills of the engineer enable us to produce even more accurate and sustainable designs. Three-dimensional Building Information Modelling (BIM), as used in designing the new Vlierden water production plant for Brabant Water, is a good example. Such innovations are rapidly becoming key tools as we work to solve the many challenges in the built environment.
+ Cape Town City Park
+ Renovation of Deventer football stadium
ideas for a ‘green zone’, 8 kilometres in length and
currently working on the revitalisation and expansion
The South African city of Cape Town has invited
1.2 kilometres wide, which runs diagonally through
the city. The objective is to use the landscape to mitigate the effects of urbanisation and create greater
social cohesion. Witteveen+Bos and its partners have developed a plan for a large city park which would
create new employment in various recreational functions and the bio-based economy.
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In association with various project partners, we are
of the Go Ahead Eagles football stadium in Deventer. The project includes upgrading two of the suppor-
ters’ stands and various technical installations. The design devotes particular attention to sustainability and integration in the surrounding residential area.
Witteveen+Bos is responsible for designing the technical installations, all spatial assimilation measures, and the permit application procedures.
Cape Town South-Africa
Deventer The Netherlands
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Afsluitdijk The Netherlands Beni region Bolivia
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SAFETY
Living and working in a delta region Safety is by no means guaranteed, particularly in a delta region. The natural characteristics of a delta, with its low-lying areas and significant natural values, are difficult to reconcile with the interests of urbanisation and economic development. Every day, we work to find answers to the challenges of living and working in a delta region. We do so throughout the world, working closely alongside clients and local stakeholders and applying the latest insights in delta technology, flood safety, ecology, hydraulic engineering and water management. The work of the Deltas, Coasts and Rivers business line is concerned with the challenges encountered wherever land meets water. Water can pose a risk to society and the environment. To deal with these risks adequately, an integrated approach and sustainable solutions are essential. We apply our knowledge to support the development of cities, nature and infrastructure. Our projects represent a combination of leading professional expertise and high-quality solutions which meet or exceed national and international requirements in such areas as flood protection. Our advice takes particular account of the functionality of a delta region, in which spatial quality and ecology are extremely important. For almost seventy years, our specialists have devoted themselves to ensuring the safety of delta regions at home and abroad. We are thoroughly familiar with local conditions, cultures and standards. In the Netherlands, the implementation of the Flood Protection
Programme and the Delta Programme will present major challenges in the years to come. Witteveen+Bos is involved in several projects, including modifications to the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre causeway dam built in the 1930s to close off the IJsselmeer from the North Sea. Many delta regions elsewhere in the world face comparable challenges. We are involved in various land reclamation projects as well as the production of integrated master plans for flood safety in Jakarta and Mozambique. Collaboration with local partners results in better solutions and allows our staff throughout the world to achieve further professional development. Flood protection is a dynamic discipline in which new insights are constantly emerging. Rather than waiting for problems to become apparent, our work increasingly involves analysing, predicting and anticipating potentially unsafe situations. In Bolivia, for example, we implemented an early warning system which alerts the local community to an impending flood. A good understanding of climate and climate change enables us to mitigate or preclude many risks. Prevention rather than reconstruction after the event allows resources to be used more efficiently. The result is often a more sustainable solution. The ‘systems approach’ is also of growing importance. Events and situations are often interrelated and mutually dependent. The ability to contribute leading expertise to arrive at fully integrated solutions will remain a mainstay of the Witteveen+Bos approach.
+ Flood early warning system Bolivia
+ Modifications to the Afsluitdijk
threat from the River MamorĂŠ. A flood would
erlands is to be upgraded to ensure safety
In Bolivia, the Beni region is under constant
have significant social and economic impact for the local population. In association with
our consortium partners, we have developed and implemented an early warning system
with which the authorities can alert local communities.
The Afsluitdijk (Enclosure Dike) in the Nethin the longer term. Witteveen+Bos experts in various disciplines have contributed to the
design, impact studies, stakeholder manage-
ment and contract preparations. We were also responsible for studies examining landscape and ecological values.
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HEALTH
The well-being of people, planet and nature Good health is a basic human need. The desire to protect and improve health is universal, held by people of all cultures regardless of their material wealth and prosperity. A clean and safe human environment, with a secure supply of food, energy and resources, is of equal importance. Throughout the world there is a growing awareness that human health is directly linked to the health of our planet and its flora and fauna. Through its projects, Witteveen+Bos helps to create a healthy human environment for as many people as possible. We ensure that there is sufficient clean water to drink and water for agriculture and industry. We help to reduce the environmental impact of production processes, ensuring that they are clean and energyefficient. We safeguard ecological systems and biospheres, and promote the use of renewable energy. We regard making a contribution to the health and well-being of people, planet and nature as a clear social responsibility. The projects undertaken by the Energy, Water and Environment business line are a means of achieving this universal objective. Our projects help to safeguard the quality of air and soil. They provide access to clean water, or ensure that noise levels are kept within acceptable limits. We help our clients to use energy as efficiently as possible, and to find new sources of clean renewable energy. We support clients in both the private and public sectors by designing, building and managing a wide range of installations, with availability, reliability, safety and ease of maintenance as essential preconditions. Throughout the world, we work for clients who are responsible for maintaining the quality
of the human environment. While the main themes of our work are constant, the specific issues and challenges vary from one region to another. Accordingly, the nature of our contribution will also vary. In Africa, for example, we are helping to establish basic water supply and sanitation facilities. In Azerbaijan we are tackling water pollution in nine large lakes, while in the Netherlands we are applying proprietary technology to produce ultra-pure process water for industrial use. As the world’s population continues to increase, the demand for better health and living conditions will raise many challenges in the domain of energy, water and environment. There is a pressing need for new solutions which allow valuable resources to be re-used, or energy to be generated in a more sustainable way. The reserves of fossil fuels are finite; their depletion forces us to find new and renewable sources such as solar, geothermal and wind energy. Witteveen+Bos closely monitors developments in these fields, and translates innovation into practical solutions. We help to convert traditional wastewater treatment plants into energy producers, as in the ‘green heat’ project in Breda. We explore ways in which waste materials can be re-used, either in new products or as a source of energy. We find new applications for various water treatment technologies so that wastewater can be purified as efficiently as possible, becoming suitable for use in industrial processes. We have developed solutions for recovering valuable resources from mines which are no longer economically viable. This is how we play our part throughout the world in answering today’s environmental challenges and promoting the health and well-being of people and planet.
+ Decontamination of lakes near Baku
+ ‘Green heat’ in Breda
Baku, Azerbaijan, and its surrounding region relies
energy from biogas. By moving the co-generation
The further economic development of the port city of on an effective approach to the environmental pro-
blems affecting nine nearby lakes. In association with local partners, Witteveen+Bos developed a package of measures to clean up the lake beds, restructure the waterside areas, and improve water quality.
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The Nieuwveer wastewater treatment plant regains installation to a nearby residential area, the plant makes optimal use of the generated warmth and
electricity: the power as well as the released heat is used in the local distributed heating system.
Breda The Netherlands
Baku Azerbaijan
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Roodeschool The Netherlands Leeuwarden The Netherlands
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ACCESSIBILITY
Meeting the growing demand for mobility Accessibility is an important theme within the work of Witteveen+Bos. The demand for mobility is growing, particularly for people who live in larger cities. Their requirements have changed over time, as have the ways in which those requirements are met. The private car used to be the preferred mode of transport, which meant devoting particular attention to the road infrastructure. Today, there is greater emphasis on public transport, especially in conurbations, and this entails introducing or upgrading train, bus, tram and metro services. Attention is also being devoted to creating a good infrastructure for cyclists. At the same time, the increasing volume of freight transport creates a need for new hubs and interchanges at which the various modalities converge. Infrastructure is essential to both the economic and social life of the Netherlands and other countries. The Infrastructure and Mobility business line advises on accessibility during all phases of a project, from planning and design to contract preparation and implementation. In many cases, the client has already formulated certain accessibility objectives. We then develop alternative scenarios whereby those objectives can be met. Projects to improve accessibility must also devote attention to the external impact of infrastructure, minimising noise and emissions to improve the quality of life for local residents. Not all accessibility projects involve building new infrastructure: some are concerned with restructuring or upgrading existing facilities.
perfectly adequate when built now require major maintenance, strengthening and widening to increase their capacity and lifespan. We are involved in several projects of this nature, for instance in and around Leeuwarden. Sometimes infrastructure must be adapted to meet new requirements. This can entail creating good connections between different transport modalities, as in the case of the proposed railway line between Roodeschool and the seaport of Eemshaven. Elsewhere in the world, notably in South East Asia, South America and Central America, ongoing urbanisation is creating an increased demand for all types of infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels and various underground facilities. The Sharq Crossing project in Doha, Qatar, applies a combination of technologies to create a system of tunnels and bridges which will ensure the long-term accessibility of this rapidly expanding city. Because little local knowledge is available, the specialist expertise offered by Witteveen+Bos as part of the TEC consortium is particularly valuable.
The past few decades have seen major investment in the Dutch road infrastructure by municipal and provincial authorities and the central government. Many roads which were
Another significant development in the field of accessibility concerns the emergence of ‘driverless’ passenger vehicles and trucks. This calls for modifications to the existing road infrastructure, which may have to meet different capacity requirements within the foreseeable future. More dynamic use of the roads and developments such as wireless inductive charging systems for electric vehicles will create new challenges related to accessibility. These are significant growth markets for Witteveen+Bos. The rail sector will also see a number of new developments, such as the introduction of frequent ‘timetable-free’ shuttle services on certain routes. This too will demand our engineers’ attention.
+ Roodeschool-Eemshaven railway
+ Better accessibility Leeuwarden
Groningen and Roodeschool to the seaport of
some forty infrastructural projects designed to
There are plans to extend the railway line between Eemshaven, where trains will connect with the ferry
service to the island of Borkum. This will improve the accessibility of both the harbour and the island for
residents and tourists. The new line is being designed by Railinfra Solutions.
The ‘Leeuwarden Vrij Baan’ programme includes improve the accessibility of Leeuwarden and its surrounding region. Witteveen+Bos has been involved
in several projects, taking responsibility for prepara-
tion, the design of roads and civil engineering works, and site supervision during implementation.
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INTERVIEW
Richard Sedafor + Jochem Schut Ghana Witteveen+Bos is working alongside Dutch NGO Simavi, management consultancy firm Berenschot and a number of local partners on the GhanaNetherlands Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, which will improve access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in five Ghanaian municipalities. The 32
collaboration between an NGO, a management consultant and an engineering firm has given rise to a very pragmatic and effective project approach. Jochem Schut is the general manager of Witteveen+Bos’ international office in Ghana and project leader for WASH. ‘We were introduced to the local partners
during the start-up phase. This was useful, as we quickly became a tight-knit team with the same objectives. Our office is now the meeting place for many of the people involved in the WASH project. It is very rewarding to work with them on a common goal: to create a better quality of life for five local communities.’ Jochem’s colleague Richard Se-
dafor is a project engineer. ‘I am responsible for the technical design and for liaising with the various stakeholders. Because I am Ghanaian myself, I act as a sort of intermediary between the Dutch engineers and the Ghanaian staff and stakeholders. I feel privileged to be working on this project. It gives me the opportunity to develop my professional skills, forming
Jochem: ‘I derive enormous energy from the passion and humour of the team.’ part of a team which will arrive at good solutions to the problems in my country.’ Jochem: ‘There is much work for engineers here in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. We can truly improve the health of the population. We cannot solve all problems but we can make a major difference. It is marvellous that almost one hundred schools now have proper toilet facilities
thanks to our input. The smiling faces of the childeren at these schools make me very happy.’ As Richard adds: ‘You can really see the difference that your work makes. The completion of the design for the water supply system was definitely a highlight of the project for me. It is a sturdy design and there can be no question that it has greatly benefited
the people here, giving them access to clean, and safe water.’ Jochem adds: ‘Richard’s enthusiasm is shared by everyone involved. Working on the WASH programme can be complex at times, not only in terms of scope but the number of actors and interests involved. There are many issues which demand attention. But I derive enormous
energy from the passion and humour of the team, and of course the gratitude of the local community.’
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PROJECTS 2014
Canada 1 project
Denmark 3 projects
Norway 2 projects Sweden 3 projects Great-Britain 2 projects The Netherlands (6 offices) 2878 projects
Belgium 82 projects
Luxembourg 3 projects Croatia 3 projects
Egypt 1 project
Aruba 6 projects Colombia 4 projects
Bolivia 1 project
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St. Lucia 3 projects Curaรงao 3 projects
Niger 1 projects
Nigeria 3 projects
Ghana 1 project
Angola 1 project
Finland 1 project
Germany 6 projects
Romenia 4 projects Serbia 1 project
Cyprus 1 project
Russia 5 projects
Latvia 14 projects
Israel 1 project
Georgia 2 projects Turkey 4 projecten Palestine 3 projects
Kazakhstan (3 offices) 13 projects
Azerbaijan 5 projects Jordan 1 project
Bhutan 1 project
Qatar 1 project
Dubai
Bangladesh 3 projects
Oman 1 project
Saudi Arabia 2 projects
India 5 projects
Vietnam 7 projects
South Sudan 1 project
Tanzania 3 projects
Burundi 1 project
Philippines 2 projects
Singapore
Indonesia 48 projects
Comoros 1 project Mozambique 2 projects
Offices Witteveen+Bos
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+ Ecological management plans for water extraction areas In order to maintain and, where necessary, strengthen nature quality
in water extraction areas, we have produced ecological management
plans for twelve such areas managed by Vitens. The plans describe the ecological potential of each area, together with recommendations for management interventions and monitoring procedures. Various locations The Netherlands
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+ Delft Railway Zone
The city centre of Delft is bisected by a large railway bridge which creates both nuisance and risks. To address these problems, and to ensure that the rail
system can cope with the projected increase in capacity, Railinfra Solutions and Benthem Crouwel Architects have designed a tunnel and underground station
which will be served by four tracks. The redevelopment of the entire station zone includes the construction of new civic buildings, homes, offices and a park. Delft The Netherlands 37
+ Soil decontamination in Georgia
+ Oosterweel Link solves mobility problems
activities have caused significant soil contamination with heavy
hotspot with significant road safety challenges. To resolve these problems, the
There are various locations in the Caucasus region at which mining metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. To prevent adverse
health effects for humans and wildlife, Witteveen+Bos produced a
decontamination plan and is currently overseeing the work, due to be completed in 2015. Tbilisi Georgia
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The road network around Antwerp is Europe’s second most serious congestion Belgian government has proposed the construction of the Oosterweel Link, which will complete the ring road around Antwerp via tunnels under the Scheldt River
and the Albert Canal. The design produced by the consortium of Witteveen+Bos and Grontmij takes full advantage of the location-specific conditions. Antwerp Belgium
+ Redevelopment of Valkenburg airbase
+ Canopy for APM Terminals
Valkenburg, Witteveen+Bos produced a life-cycle analysis for the water
terminal. The client would not be satisfied with a ‘standard’ solution, so
Further to the proposed redevelopment of the former military airbase at
system. Based on the integrated costs analysis, the recommended solution is one in which excess water will run off directly into existing water-
ways. This obviates the need for any empolderment, with large dikes and pumphouses which would require ongoing maintenance. Katwijk The Netherlands
APM Terminals wanted a state-of-the-art canopy for its new container
Witteveen+Bos used 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to refine a parametric design. The result is a roof structure with a double
curvature to provide full protection against the exposed conditions of the Tweede Maasvlakte industrial zone. Rotterdam The Netherlands
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+ Innovative drinking water production
+ Platforms for an oil terminal
at its Andijk plant. There is much international interest in this new water treatment
the control platform and the fire prevention systems for a new oil
Water supply company PWN is among the first to adopt SIXCeraMac technology
method. Witteveen+Bos was responsible for much of the engineering design and implementation, as well as site supervision during construction. We also advised on spatial assimilation measures. Andijk The Netherlands
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Witteveen+Bos designed the loading and unloading platforms, storage depot in Cyprus. We also produced the specifications
for various components, including walkways and pipe support structures.
Vasiliko Cyprus
+ Tendering procedures for new parking facilities
+ Reinforcement of Wadden Sea dike
due to poor accessibility. Witteveen+Bos has helped the local authority to
reinforcement of the Wadden Sea dike. The project represents a
The historic Dutch city of Leiden is not attracting the desired number of visitors produce the tendering documents for several new multi-storey car parks.
Contractors are encouraged to devote due attention to the ‘user experience’ within their designs.
Leiden The Netherlands
Witteveen+Bos undertook the planning preparations for
successful marriage of safety and nature conservation: one section of the 23-kilometre embankment has been designed as a new duneland area.
Texel The Netherlands
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INTERVIEW
42
Niels Monster + Inge Blom The Netherlands The City of Utrecht is to redevelop the district around Utrecht Central Station. The ‘CU2030’ project will improve the quality of the district, creating more space for the increasing number of local residents and passengers, upgrading public amenities, and improving connections
with the city centre. A section of the Catharijnesingel canal, filled in to form a road in the 1970s, will be restored. The project will have major consequences for local infrastructure and the built environment. Since 2012, Witteveen+Bos has been working on the design and
implementation of a new public transport viaduct over the Leidsche Rijn and the remodelling of two roads, Van Sijpesteijnkade and Mineurslaan. The area on the other side of the station is also to be redeveloped. Jaarbeursplein will undergo a complete metamorphosis with a new underground car park built beneath
the square. Niels Monster heads the project team for the area west of the station, and is responsible for the design of the viaduct. ‘My role is chiefly that of coordinator. I ensure that the various elements of the project come together seamlessly. Needless to say, we devote much attention to what the client wishes to achieve. We 43
Inge: ‘We are creating a ‘visiting card’ for Utrecht’ have developed a close, longterm relationship with the city authority and we are seen as a trusted partner. We have been able to develop a joint vision and can bring everything to a successful conclusion by working together. It is nice to be able to advise the client and take some of the burden of responsibility, 44
rather than merely managing the project. Communication with stakeholders is an important aspect. We regularly consult with various parties, and of course we take the interests of all users into consideration. Cyclists and pedestrians must be able to reach their destination safely during the construction phase. The work is
carefully phased, so that there is always at least one free access route. We ensure that everyone can move freely in this very busy part of the city. I am proud to be part of this project, not least because we have managed to create public support for both the technical aspects of our viaduct design and its visual appearance.
You can actually see how the structure works, with the force lines and tension cables visualised in curved concrete. It is a work of engineering art.’ Niels’ colleague Inge Blom is working on a different project on the other side of the station: the remodelling of Jaarbeursplein and the design of the underground car
park in association with the architects. ‘As the assistant to the project leader, my main task is to ensure that everyone is able to work effectively and that they know the status of all the various sub-projects. I am a sort of ‘spider in the web’, maintaining contacts with the client and all the various disciplines involved.
This type of work is new for me. I would like to go on to be a project manager working on large integrated projects. Here, I am learning the importance of clear, direct communication and the ‘hands on approach’. You would achieve very little just sitting behind a desk all day. As yet, this district is not particularly inspiring
and Utrecht does not have many areas which are suitable for large public events. What we are doing here will change that. We are creating a ‘visiting card’ for Utrecht: a prestigious area with an attractive route to the Jaarbeurs centre, a busy hub where all types of transport converge, and good parking facilities with
ample capacity. Our plans ensure that everyone will be able to reach their destination quickly and safely. At the same time, it will be an area in which people will enjoy spending time: a destination in its own right with plenty of space to enjoy.’
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Text Witteveen+Bos Layout and design Houdbaar Printed by Te Sligte-Olijdam Photos and illustrations APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Cynthia Boll Santiago Calatrava Dinesh Dhawan Gerard Dubois Dura Vermeer-Besix Rob Elfring Bram Goots Ronald Wilfred Jansen Erik Karst Paul Kavanagh KuiperCompagnons Astrid van Loo Martin Mooij OKRA Landschapsarchitecten Tom van der Put Rijkswaterstaat Team 3D en I’M architecten Femke Teusink Ronald Tilleman Hilko Visser Fonger de Vlas Witteveen+Bos Witteveen+Bos N.V. Van Twickelostraat 2 P.O. Box 233 7400 AE Deventer The Netherlands t +31 570 69 79 11 f +31 570 69 73 44 e info@witteveenbos.com i www.witteveenbos.com Enschede Trade Register no. 55094503 46
Afsluitdijk The Netherlands
Leeuwarden The Netherlands
Terneuzen The Netherlands
Richard Sedafor Ghana
Leon Valkenburg The Netherlands