New build over £45 million

Gold

Silver

High profile, high risk, high achiever

If there is one project with the wow factor in this year’s competition, this is it. The design of London’s City Hall is simple in concept but extraordinarily complicated in execution. The project was always recognised as challenging, very high profile and very high risk. It required a project manager of considerable experience and drive if it was to succeed. Mike Barford was initially appointed to advise on buildability and programming matters during the pre-contract phase. Crucially, Barford saw the importance of protecting the design period. He instigated design workshops to resolve the conflicts generated by the unusual shape of the structure and encouraged off-the-wall thinking if it looked likely to produce a solution. Barford identified some key issues from the start. He and his team realised the industry did not have the apparatus to ensure complex 3D models could be translated into very complicated material shapes with great accuracy, particularly at congested interface areas. The solution was to engage specialists who could ensure accurate dimensional control and monitor the installation processes. He also instigated the production of a “movement and tolerance” report. Barford encouraged the use of off-site fabrication and full-scale mock-ups to check buildability issues and to ensure that quality standards could be achieved. Cost management was of great importance to the client. But the unique nature of the project made it difficult to achieve early cost certainty, and there were occasions when additional work was needed, or when design changes were necessary. The client’s citation maintains Barford ensured its best interests were served at all times. Barford was aware of the effect of negative publicity on such a high-profile project. He promoted regular on-site training health and safety sessions and awarded on-the-spot cash prizes to operatives using safe working practices. He also ensured that site welfare facilities were top quality and that neighbours were not unduly inconvenienced. One of Barford’s citations refers to his “passion for construction like no other person I have met”. It was this passion and his motivation, and his technical and managerial skills which have allowed him to succeed so completely.

Commended