You know the one; it runs something like “May you live in interesting times”. I’m not sure how ancient it is, though. Robert F. Kennedy said it in a speech in 1966, and before that the only place it pops up is in a 1950 science fiction story. So if the curse really is ancient and Chinese, then it is news to Chinese scholars.

But it’s still a good saying, isn’t it? The upheaval that makes a period interesting to future generations makes it scary and dreadful for those living it. But we feel 2005 is going to be interesting in a positive way.

Take justice (page 18). When it comes to securing payment, adjudication is the greatest thing since sliced panini, but it’s as vulnerable to misuse as anything else. And judging by the size and type of claims adjudicators are tackling, it was clear that the time for a correction was ripe. So along came Sir Michael and his review of the Construction Act, which contained a meaty section on Adjudication. Expect some fine tuning. And better (because competition always brings value, right?) clunky old arbitration roused itself from its torpor to launch a turbo-version guaranteed to settle in – wait for it – 100 days! As you’re wrapping your head around that, get this: the new judge in charge of the Technology and Construction Court is pledging to make litigation more user friendly. Adjudication may still be the new ‘young adult’ on the block, but it’s nice to see competing methods of dispute resolution raising their game.

In other unusual news, Laing O’Rourke’s appointment of BDP boss Roy Adams (page 34) shows how far a traditional-style contractor is prepared to go – in this case co-opting complementary talent – in order to achieve competitive advantage. And the largest ever installation of geothermal technology at the Gloucestershire Constabulary (page 28) shows clients engaging with sustainability in an unprecedented way.

It’s an exciting picture. And while statements of generalised optimism fall flat for anyone facing trials or tedium on a personal level, if you do still call the industry yours, at least stuff is happening.

So Happy New Year, and guess what? You’re cursed.

Source

Construction Manager