Details
Wednesday 1 December 2021
5:30 - 6:30pm
Online, via Zoom
Free event
About
Have you ever wondered what you’d be doing on a project team? Or where your discipline fits in?
4 industry panelists from Arup, Aspect Studios, Lendlease and Woods Bagot will answer your questions and discuss how the consultant team collaborated to deliver the University's very own Melbourne Connect project. Read more about Melbourne Connect at https://melbconnect.com.au/
Through a Q+A panel discussion, hear how unique project issues were resolved through multi-disciplinary collaboration and learn about the roles and responsibilities of different disciplines in the context of a major commercial project.
Panellists
James Danatzis
Senior Structural Engineer
Role on the Melbourne Connect project:
James acted as Arup’s Project Manager through the construction phase of the project. During this time James was responsible for leading and representing the Arup team. James Worked closely with Lend Lease and the consultant team to work through site challenges and ensure that the construction and design intent were aligned. James also took responsibility for the commercial aspects of the project for Arup.
What value did multidisciplinary collaboration have on improving the outcomes of the project?
At Arup holistic design is something that we aim to bring to all of our projects and the Melbourne Connect development was no different. This large and complex mixed use development required significant coordination and collaboration by all of the parties involved on the project. Not only was design coordination critical, but stakeholder input and consideration of end user requirements was key to delivering a successful development. Arup worked closely with Lend Lease, Woods Bagot, Aspect, The University of Melbourne and all of the other project collaborators, this was critical for the successful delivery of the project and without Multi Disciplinary Collaboration the project would not have been able to create a seamless transition between education, living, retail, workplace and other spaces offered in the precinct.
Warwick Savvas
Senior Associate, Landscape Architect
Role on the Melbourne Connect project:
Warwick was part of the team from ASPECT Studios who designed the landscape architectural elements within the project. This included the central ‘Oculus’ and laneways, interfaces with the street frontages, rooftop garden to the upper-level student accommodation, and the roof garden to the ‘Super Floor’ balcony.
What value did multidisciplinary collaboration have on improving the outcomes of the project?
The Melbourne Connect project is exemplary in how multidisciplinary collaboration can produce high quality spaces that are flexible, innovative and refined, while at the same time being respectful to the history and heritage of what is one of Melbourne’s most important sites being the location of the former Woman’s Hospital.
The design team comprises architects, landscape architects, planners, structural, civil, hydraulic and electrical engineers, as well as access consultants, interior architects and building surveyors.
The team worked through the design using 3D digital technologies for detailed resolution and coordination of all of this work.
Stephanie Kocovski
Design Manager
Role on the Melbourne Connect project:
Stephanie was responsible for managing the procurement, design outcomes, construction functions including buildability and commercial aspects for a designated work area and trade packages, such as the Low Rise Commercial Building and SGM Digitally Activated Entry. Further, she ensured that the client’s expectations and contractual requirements were met throughout the entire life of the project. As well as, managing the consultants to meet deliverables on time and in line with the project requirements. She was responsible to ensure the safe and successful completion of the works, while meeting specified targets such as program, budget, safety, design, and quality.
From your perspective, what value did multidisciplinary collaboration have on improving the outcomes of the project?
When you have a project that demands the team to push the boundaries of innovation, cohesive multidisciplinary collaboration is essential. The Melbourne Connect project is such a unique development, across three very different buildings interconnected via bridges and a common central courtyard. The project team understood that elements of the design and delivery would request that all of the consultancy teams across all disciplines were required to bring the highest level of expertise to achieve the vital outcome. Being able to understand and appreciate your peers' challenges and driving factors, was key in finding solutions that met everyone’s expectations and ultimately the project’s requirements.
Alastair Flynn
Senior Associate, Architect
Role on the Melbourne Connect project:
Alastair is a senior associate at Woods Bagot and was the project architect on Melbourne Connect from the schematic design phase in 2017 to completion in 2021. Working with principal and design leader Hazel Porter, Alastair led the team at Woods Bagot and managed the detailed design and delivery of the project from start to finish.
From your perspective, what value did multidisciplinary collaboration have on improving the outcomes of the project?
One of the key aspects of the original design brief for Melbourne Connect was collaboration. The intent was for a collaborative design process to lead to collaborative outcomes. Lendlease established a clear framework for this process, which enabled Woods Bagot, with Arup, Aspect, Hayball and NDY, to design as a team.
Many aspects of the project were innovative – from the use of mass timber structure to the digitally modelled intricate brick patterning and laying techniques, to the prismatic curtain wall facade. Clear communication, strong relationships and an empathetic approach were key factors in achieving exemplary built outcomes.