Big wide world

Success in business is usually obtained by those who keep a close eye on happenings here and abroad and while we may be physically isolated, New Zealand is by no means behind when it comes to entrepreneurship. Those companies involved in the creation of the Owen G Glenn building, which houses the new Auckland Business School, recognise the structure as an icon that reflects the vision of its users as future business leaders.

A company that played a major role in the construction of the building was Beca. Working for the University of Auckland's Property Services Group, the company managed the project, and undertook structural, civil and geotechnical engineering services. Paul Collister, technical director of project management at Beca, says the university and Beca employed a fast-track methodology in the construction of the building.

"By overlapping the design and construction periods, the client was able to use the completed separable portions of the building while other sections were still being built. This meant savings in both time and money for the University of Auckland."

To do this, the construction was divided into four separable portions, which were each effectively completed as a separate contract. The first stage was the construction of five levels of car parking. Next was the creation of two 600-capacity lecture theatres. Following this, the vast space of Level 0, consisting of teaching labs, additional lecture theatres, and administration offices, was built. The final stage was the distinctive tower.

"For this method of construction to work, there needs to be a high level of interaction between the client, project manager, design team, and contractor. This building, with its particularly complex architecture, required a great deal of construction skill and management by both Fletcher Construction and Beca," says Collister.

For further information on Beca, visit the website: www.beca.com.

Story by: Trendsideas