Arup's Quarterly Review of Innovation, Design and Ideas

@4 Arup’s quarterly review of innovation, design and ideas. Issue 12 | 2015

1 News Rethinking the Factory ...... 4 Design Book: 50 city stories explored ...... 6 Mapping the Budget ...... 8 Arup lead design for new urban rail system in Kuala Lumpur ...... 10 Designs revealed for MPavilion 2015 ...... 12

Stories

Passing through – More efficient interchanges ...... 14 Large scale infrastructure projects, the same time. We also consider Future Libraries – What could they be? ...... 18 city-shaping planning, and iconic how apps and digital innovation buildings aren’t delivered overnight, built on Intelligent Transport Hot tubs, holograms & healthy kids coming to a stadium near you! �� 20 so we tend to take a long term, Systems can make our commutes big picture view of things. In and lives easier and more efficient. Intelligent Transport Systems – Putting the customer first...... 30 this issue though, we consider Climate change resilience is Enhancing and sharing knowledge at Arup ...... 32 ideas and projects on a different scale — both time and size. something we are always considering Climate change doesn’t stop at local government borders ...... 34 at Arup; Rob Turk tells us how it’s We investigate the inner workings our local councils who have been If it’s possible at the Sydney Opera House ...... 38 of Arup University and interview quietly getting on with tackling the Andrew Maher, its Australasian ever-present risks and impacts. Thoughts & Projects Regional Leader. Foresight + Research + Innovation, the We’d also like to share with you Walkonomics: the High Line effect ...... 46 thinktank arm of Arup University, some of the amazing projects we’ve helps push the research that is had the privilege to work on recently Data is too precious not to share ...... 48 central to our innovation and including the Sydney Opera House and Regional Rail Link in Victoria. Regional Rail Link ...... 50 future thinking. We discuss two of their new reports, Rethinking the Finally, I’m pleased to announce An interview with Andrew Maher ...... 52 Factory and Future Libraries. our 2015 Design Book: 50 city Sport plays a major role in this stories explored. We examine the part of the world and Arup has ideas that help make great urban been fortunate enough to work places – through design that is on a range of amazing stadiums. intelligent, beautiful, green, resilient, Peter Bowtell discusses their responsible and future facing. importance for competitors, fans, and the wider community. Kind regards, Alex Borg talks us through a diverging diamond interchange, a twist on traditional designs that can move more traffic through an intersection and increase safety at Peter Bailey Chair and CEO, Arup Australasia

Published by Arup in Australasia Editors Level 10, 201 Kent Street, Stacey Ryan Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Adam Keeney Graphic Designers Ines Silva Kathie Wallace 2 3 Changan-Ford’s assembly News line is equipped with robotic technologies that allow for rapid switching between car models.

Rethinking the Factory

Manufacturing has design and innovation processes ‘The Human Factor(y)’ looks at that are increasingly fast, open, the growing impact of technology entered a new age of collaborative and responsive. on the workforce, including production. A shift in the automation and the diffusion of As the world of manufacturing cyber-physical assistance systems. design and manufacture changes, the way factories are of goods not the result planned, constructed and operated ‘Seamless Design and Production’ will also change. They will focuses on the growing use of of a single trend, but need to become more flexible big data, insights, and smart driven by a broad and adaptable, achieve better machines to optimise production range of complex and integration between buildings and processes and enable greater processes, and be more resilient customisation of complex products. interconnected factors. to economic and environmental ‘Resilient and Adaptive Spaces’ These influences range from shifts. Future factories will have to operate at higher material focuses on the physical factory, advances in digital technologies looking at designs that are resilient and automation, to climate change and energy efficiencies, while providing safe and healthy working to environmental risks as well as and market demands. The collective sustainable in their construction, consequence is a shift towards conditions for an increasingly skilled and diverse workforce. operation and end of life disassembly. This report explores the future of the To read Rethinking the Factory factory from three different angles: please click here to download. Jaguar Land Rover people, production and space. Ingenium Engine © Jaguar Land Rover Manufacturing Centre

4 5 Glasgow Edinburgh Solihull Copenhagen Limerick Amsterdam The Hague London Milton Keynes Dornbirn

Bilbao Milan New York Beijing Newark Hansung City San Francisco Las Vegas Shanghai Dhaka New Orleans

Dubai Foshan Taipei Surat Hong Kong Mexico City

Caracas Bogota Singapore Cali

Semarang

Pretoria

Cape Town Sydney Adelaide Wollongong Concepción Melbourne Christchurch

We include the thoughts of a Today’s city challenges In 50 city stories explored, we “Design in a city is about Design Book: number of internationally-renowned explore the often-conflicting thinking about something spokespeople, talking about the Cities must tackle a diverse set of demands placed on cities. challenges cities face today. challenges. To name a few, they must in a different way. It’s new 50 city stories explored deal with urbanisation, changing As the projects featured in the book associations; it’s kind of a They include: demographics, climate change, show, cities have the opportunity change of angle. Sometimes economic growth, water scarcity to make many interventions for • Judith Rodin, President of 50 city stories explored brings together projects and congestion. improvement — becoming greener, that’s radical, sometimes it’s The Rockefeller Foundation of all kinds delivered for and with cities around more intelligent, beautiful, future kind of very evolutionary, • Edgar Pieterse, Director of the The world’s cities must differentiate facing, responsible and resilient. but it’s always got to be new, the world. We examine the ideas that help African Center for Cities themselves, to attract increasingly These themes inform our discussions mobile global talent, tourists because otherwise you’re just make great urban places – through design • Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of the within this book, as they do our repeating, you’re mimicking City of Sydney and inward investment. More than work with cities worldwide. that is intelligent, beautiful, green, resilient, anything, cities must be fit for – you’re not designing.” responsible and future-facing. • Thomas Heatherwick, British purpose today while anticipating Read the electronic version of the designer and the founder of the possibilities of tomorrow. book. Malcolm Smith, Global Masterplanning Heatherwick Studio and Urban Design Leader, Arup

6 7 Mapping the Budget

See all the projects Users can easily see which projects The data that drives the Mapping have been invested in and projects the Budget website (which was also across NSW and in with specific locations are pinned to developed in open source software) your neighbourhood. the map and can be searched, sorted was launched as the budget was and expanded for more detail. announced. Publically available at data.nsw.gov.au, the data comes Following on from the success The tool shows what is happening in a range of formats for the free of last year’s iteration, the NSW across NSW or in an immediate area, exploration of both individuals and Government has developed in and can be filtered by region, local organisations. The NSW Government partnership with Arup, ‘Mapping government area, or by clicking encourages anyone with an interest the Budget’ for 2015-16. The and freely navigating the map. for further analysis, development interactive visualisation allows Responsibly sharing data is a of tools and visualisations, or a people to intuitively review government commitment, as simple curiousity, to visit the site. budget projects across NSW. outlined by the NSW Government All budget papers are available at The 2015-16 Budget Paper 2 on Open Data Policy as part of the budget.nsw.gov.au and Mapping the infrastructure is presented visually NSW Government ICT Strategy. Budget is housed at myinfrastructure. across a map of NSW and is Government data should be open planning.nsw.gov.au. searchable by agency, project, by default, including budget data, planning region, local government and Mapping the Budget leads area or a combination of all of them. from the front in this regard.

8 9 Arup lead design for new urban rail system in Kuala Lumpur

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation has appointed Arup as the underground reference design consultant for We appreciate the need to Klang Valley MRT SSP integrate rail into transport Line 2. solutions that deliver the total door-to-door journey. Line 2, also known as the Sungai The Klang Valley MRT is the Our involvement in major Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line first MRT project in the region. (SSP Line) will run from Sungai It will integrate with Klang Valley’s infrastructure projects Buloh to Serdang and Putrajaya, existing rail transport network, in Malaysia puts us in covering a distance of 52.2km. namely the LRT, Monorail and good stead to deliver the Consisting of 39 stations, ten KTM Komuter, as well as intra of which will be underground, and inter-city bus routes. The end underground design for the the alignment is estimated to result will be better connectivity for SSP Line in an efficient and feature 38.7km of elevated track Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding and 13.5km underground. cities, while reducing the number sustainable way. We are of cars that enter the capital. elated to work with MRT Arup will be doing the reference design for ten underground stations Corp to contribute to such an of the SSP Line and the fitting integral part of Malaysia’s up of the Tun Razak Exchange future infrastructure.” Station – an interchange that will connect MRT SBK (Sungai Buloh- Wan Anuar Wan, Managing Director, Arup Kajang) Line and the SSP Line. This will also include design of all associated operational buildings and assisting MRT Corp with the tender process for underground construction. The latter includes drawing up tender documents, evaluating technical submissions from tenderers, and carrying out design and technical reviews.

Klang Valley Rail Transit map

Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya line

10 11 © Kane Jarrod

Designs revealed for Melbourne’s MPavilion 2015

Renders have been Arup structural specialists, from both “The key structural innovation lies in Melbourne and London, worked the holistic and seamless integration revealed for the new closely with the Naomi Milgrom of lighting and audio systems AL_A designed Foundation and AL_A to develop within the structure, providing an MPavilion 2015, the design. The process spanned aesthetic and architectural solution from initial concept development to a common design challenge.” featuring the latest through to a structural review role, technology from and required close collaboration “We look forward to working with with advanced composite and our collaborators to realise the aeronautical engineering. geometry specialist mouldCAM vision for this technically complex and Kane Constructions. and innovative structure”. Creating the sensation of a forest With eight years of collaboration canopy, the design will feature three on London’s Serpentine Pavilion, and five metre diameter ‘petals’ Arup brought extensive pavilion with integrated LED strip lighting and temporary structure and in-built amplifiers, supported experience to MPavilion 2015. by slender carbon fiber columns. Located in the Queen Victoria “The design features innovative Gardens in Melbourne, MPavilion materials typically used in the 2015 will be officially opened aerospace and aeronautical industry to the public by Martin Roth, that will result in a lightweight, high Director of the Victoria & Albert strength structure.” said Brendon Museum (V&A) in London, McNiven, Project Director, Arup. on 5 October 2015.

12 13 Driving on the wrong side of the ramps that typically terminate either This allows traffic turning right onto The first is that they can move Passing road sounds more like a recipe side of the bridge. Traffic lights the ramp leading to the major road, traffic faster and more efficiently. for traffic chaos than a traffic are then used to regulate the traffic to do so without needing to wait This is because only two traffic solution, but it’s an idea that’s flow and conflicting movements. for traffic lights to stop oncoming light phases are typically required through starting to take hold in Australia. traffic. When the traffic reaches at intersections. At a traditional The twist the DDI brings to the the second intersection along the diamond interchange, there are Diverging diamond interchanges standard diamond interchange is minor road, it crosses back over three phases to accommodate more efficient (DDI) are a twist on traditional along the minor road. Where to the left hand side of the road to the conflicting right hand turns. interchanges that can move more the ramps terminate to create an continue under normal conditions. The reduction of one traffic signal interchanges traffic through an intersection and intersection, traffic swaps from the phase can add significant efficiency increase safety at the same time. left side of the road to the right in Gilbert Chlewicki, a director of and capacity to the intersections. both directions. This cross over is US-based Advanced Transportation The standard diamond interchange controlled safely through the use of Solutions and essentially the creator Secondly, they’re safer. Data from is a familiar feature of Australian By Alex Borg traffic lights. This creates a length of diverging diamond interchanges, the US confirms that crashes are roadways. It is a road junction where of the roadway where the traffic outlined three advantages of reduced both in number and severity. a major road crosses a minor road via is travelling on the opposite side the DDI to Arup and transport DDIs reduce the conflict points by a bridge crossing. The two crossing of the road compared to normal. clients during a recent knowledge about half and reduce severe conflict roads are connected by the use of sharing visit to Australia.

The DDI, when points from 10 to two compared with Gilbert Chlewicki says that in the We have also completed the concept interchange and there’s little Alex Borg is a road designer with a traditional diamond interchange. US, reduced land purchase and design for a DDI in Melbourne, need to accommodate turns. a passion for problem solving, compared against the building costs mean that DDIs which likewise through analysis has The suitability of the DDI as a innovation, and delivering value. standard diamond Finally, they’re cheaper to build than cost on average $10 million less proven to provide significant traffic solution needs to be considered As Highways Skills Leader for traditional diamond interchanges. interchange, came out than the next best alternative. improvements at minimal costs carefully for each specific site. Australasia, Alex is involved in DDIs let traffic peel off to the right when compared to the conventional complex transport projects across cheaper, needed less instead of queuing in a turn lane DDIs have been popular in the upgrades. This project has been Many of Australia’s urban road the region, and has the responsibility land, was safer and while waiting for a green arrow. US for several years where more endorsed to continue towards detailed networks are experiencing to drive technical excellence That means that those lanes are not than 60 are already in operation design ready for construction. congestion and consequently within the highways team and provided 40 per cent needed on the bridge. Further, due to and many more are in planning delays and safety problems. Public business. Alex has a diverse range more traffic capacity. the efficiency of these intersections, and design stages. While there In the US, public reaction to DDIs funding for upgrades is also of urban road projects on his CV fewer lanes are typically required aren’t any yet in Australia, several has generally been favourable, constrained, resulting in the need ranging from the large detailed to store queuing traffic. road authorities are looking at with surveys showing that 85 to for innovative thinking about how design D&C projects to complex the idea and can see the value. 95 per cent of motorists think we can deliver more for less and concept route corridor studies. These solutions have proven they’re a better and safer design. maximise the use of our existing to be great retrofit solutions to A DDI is being considered for one Road authorities also like them assets. This is what currently existing diamond interchanges; location in Brisbane. It emerged as – usually after they’ve installed drives interest in DDIs and other existing bridges are reused a strong option after we conducted the first one they look for other innovative treatments in Australia. whilst still increasing the traffic a rigorous options analysis on opportunities to deploy the solution. Road authorities are starting to life of the interchange. four alternatives ranging from realize that they can get the traffic conventional upgrades to the However, DDIs are not a fix for benefits at a much lower cost. Another cost benefit is that DDIs unconventional. The DDI, when all situations, They’re less suited have a small footprint. Compared compared against the standard to handling the high traffic volume with cloverleaf or interchange ramps diamond interchange, came created when two motorways meet or flyovers, they need much less land. out cheaper, needed less land, or when most of the motorway was safer and provided 40 per traffic goes straight through the cent more traffic capacity.

16 17 The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam, designed to connect learning with participation and experience. It attracts two million visitors every year. Future Libraries What could they be?

By Kim Sherwin

Libraries are going crowdsourcing and mobile services Future Libraries is a product of Arup having an impact on how collections University. By investing in tools, through a renaissance, are accessed online and on the go. skills and people, Arup University both in terms of the helps the firm deliver excellence, Future Libraries seeks to identify social infrastructure foster technical expertise and the direction and opportunities for encourage a unique design culture. they provide and the library of the future. It identifies the factors which will impact those To read Future Libraries please the diversification organisations, those who provide click here and download of services and library services and those who the report. experiences offered. use and access these services, both physically and digitally. This In corporate environments they includes our own organisation. are playing an increased role in the provision of collaborative Our research covers changes in workspace and innovation. In spatial design, services offered, communities, they are evolving customer base, digital experience, into hubs for education, health, and impacts on the people working entertainment and work. These in libraries and providing the service. trends reflect increased efforts New skills for library staff may be by libraries across a range of required to compliment a shift focus, sectors to bring people back into impacting the education and training their physical spaces. This has of those within the profession. resulted in an increase in tangible Key trends are explored, shaping experiences, including maker the future of public, academic spaces and immersive activities, and corporate libraries. The particularly in public libraries. report outlines implications on In addition to changing spatial future design, operation and user layout and programmes, the digital experience; and suggests what we environment is key. The “walls” of may expect to see, feel and do a library continue to expand beyond in the library of the future. the physical space, with an increase © Adam Mørk in online resources, social media,

University of Aberdeen, Scotland

18 19 Adelaide Oval Stories Australia

Healthy kids and healthy

lifestyles. Sport is a fundamental part of achieving that and stadiums and sports facilities play a vital role.

By Peter Bowtell

When it comes to spending on sports facilities Peter Bowtell, Principal at Arup, tackles the opposition head on. Sports infrastructure plays a vital role in our communities that the taxpayer should continue to fund, in new stadiums and grass roots facilities.

20 21 AAMI Park Melbourne, Australia

@ John Gollings

We’ve seen recent headlines question the value of spending Melbourne sports precinct defines the value $45 million on a World Cup bid and $1.3 billion on new stadiums of the city as a whole. AAMI Park has a in Sydney’s Moore Park and Parramatta. We’ve also seen global profile and has grown the soccer code. the counter view that there is What is the value of that to the community? inherent value to the community in making such bids and Is it measured by the millions of dollars building such facilities. invested at the time, or is it intrinsically Even in these times of tight government purse strings, sports worth so much more to the community? spending announced in the federal budget is $345 million of our hard earned taxes. When combined with state and local I disagree with this approach in However, this doesn’t mean governments’ investments, the Australia. The return on government we should turn a blind eye to a figure is well into the billions. spending to both the economy and stadium’s bottom line. This is where the community is easily justified. smart design and operation can With all this spending, there have turn a stadium or smaller sports been renewed calls to follow the In 2013-14, the sports industry facility from a white elephant American model. Wealthy patrons generated a massive $14.6 billion in to an important part of a city’s buy clubs and build the stadiums, revenue. But more important than identity and global brand. so governments spend less on sport the bottom-line, is the transformative overall, but particularly less on power sport has and the key role it So, what value does the broader large stadiums and major sporting plays in both our urban and rural community get from stadiums events, channelling that money cities. We have to look at the benefits or major international sporting into healthcare or education. of these investments on a more holistic events? There is a real challenge basis, not just a financial one. around commercial drivers and legacy issues behind events like Sport is a part of our culture and the Olympic and Commonwealth our national psyche. It’s inseparable Games but recent experience in cities from community health and well- like London show that you can get being. It’s where you learn team this balance right. An holistic view behaviours, leadership and so many will always consider the legacy valuable life skills. Our stadiums and outcome. In what ways can this other smaller sports facilities have an asset add value to communities? opportunity to reflect and embrace this as a key part of our community life.

Singapore Sports Hub @ Darren Soh

22 23 At the end of the day the answer to all these to bring communities together safely. They are paying large money and Long gone are the However, affordability is becoming expect to be entertained accordingly, questions is around the health of communities, a major challenge as family pricing with a higher level of facility and days of BYO our children, and our ability to live together continues to rise. As ticket prices amenity, in a family friendly way. pillow to the footy to in a harmonious multicultural society. increase, so too do the expectations of ticket holders. Service and Simple factors, such as comfort, be comfortable! experience delivered have to rise good sight lines, Wi-Fi, convenience, to meet these, and are key reasons atmosphere, and close proximity The winning pitch that underpinned around athletics, gymnastics, why we need to evolve our stadiums to the field of play, and best-in- the successful bid for the Singapore shooting, badminton, and of course over time. Match day has to be better class team facilities, are all steps Sports Hub was all about community. football … a whole range of sports to than the ‘in-home’ experience. to improving experience of the The best and most successful The Singaporean government drive the kids off the couch and into game. They are essential elements contemporary stadiums are integrated recognised that increased the arena. They wanted something Some of the biggest complaints of longevity and legacy of stadiums, into the fabric of the communities participation in sport would be a that would focus their leisure time from stadium users stem from and vital in order to drag spectators and they have become innovative, major driver of community health and drive the benefits of a healthy simple issues, such as the length away from their TV’s! Major complex and sophisticated multi- in Singapore. At Olympic level, community with a strong sports of time waiting in the toilet queue innovations as extreme as infinity purpose buildings, designed to Singapore’s sporting greats hailed ethic for decades to come, inevitably at half time. Sports fans may still pool hot tubs in corporate suites, be beautiful, environmentally from table tennis, weightlifting saving money in the long term. want to be part of the tribe, but and holograms simulating away sensitive and have a high degree of and swimming. But in line with an they don’t want match day to feel games on field, could be the next flexibility in future and current use. increase in funding for elite sports, Australia has been successful at like an episode of ‘Survivor’. steps to remaining cutting edge and the city has now grown facilities maintaining sports stadiums as places ensuring customer experience. Adelaide Oval, Australia

24 © Orange Lane Studios 25 THEY SHOULD BE BUILT TO THEY MUST CATER THEY MUST BE CONNECTED THEY NEED TO BE THEY MUST GIVE THEY MUST BE THE SIZE THAT FEELS FULL FOR ALL FLEXIBLE IN USE SPECTATORS A FEELING OF COMFORTABLE ON A REGULAR BASIS Strong wi-fi access for fans to BEING CLOSE TO Family friendly, latest access game specific apps and A stadium that can be easily THE ACTION To drag people off their couch Yes, some fans will miss out and media facilities, best-in-class check wait times for the bathroom converted from one code to and to the game, a venue needs AAMI Stadium is a perfect example we will eventually need to build new player facilities. queue, or order food from their seat another, or to a concert venue, will to be attractive, easy for the stadiums to meet spectator demand, attract more people, more often. of a bespoke stadium and its spectator to move around and • TV but full = atmosphere = growth & success has helped to grow a have all weather protection. building on success = longevity. • personalised content code to unprecedented levels. • replays on mobile devices • screens in bathrooms • large format screens or holograms on the field of games in other locations (e.g. Japan’s world cup bid).

26 27 Selection of City of Manchester Stadium Adelaide Oval Stadium Arup’s stadiums Miller Park Baseball Stadium and sports Sydney Cricket Ground facilities New Perth Stadium Suncorp Metway Stadium, Brisbane King Abdullah Sports City projects AAMI Park Stadium Melbourne Donbass Arena Strattford/London Olympics Chinese National Stadium Shangai Oriental Sports Centre Allianz Arena NSW Netball Central

Singapore Sports Hub Many codes wield a larger influence on our community than politicians. They motivate and influence the community at large.

Good venue operators understand Additional activites around the what needs to be done, in addition stadium are important to the to match day, to drive revenue. As community and are important an example, the MCG northern drivers of ritual. They give us stand and members’ dining area is a history and memories we take fundamental success for that ground. right through adulthood. While multi-purpose suitability The best thing we can encourage is fundamental to commercial though, is healthy children and success, the issue of multiple lifestyles. Sport is a fundamental fields of play is still a really part of achieving that, and challenging one, and often requires facilities play a vital role. some compromise – such as not positioning seats as close to the Many codes wield a larger field of play as a bespoke stadium. influence on our community than politicians. They motivate and The trend for multi-format sports influence the community at large. could diminish over time and we We shouldn’t underestimate the could see a focus on only one or power of sport as a unifying body. two sports on the field of play, combined with a lot of activity It is far too simplistic to say these occurring around the stadium. things don’t pay for themselves. Singapore Sports Hub aims for a program of 165 events a year, as a result there are parts to that venue which are always active.

@ Darren Soh 28 29 If app developers can get easy access to reliable and consistent data from multiple transport operators, I’m sure we’d see a flourishing of apps that would put useful and relevant information into the hands of the travellers and let them make better use of their time and resources.

often with its own information congestion. It’s a much better way management system, and because of getting accurate feedback than it is supplied and managed by conducting self-selecting surveys. an outside IT supplier it can be difficult to update and access. If app developers can get easy access to reliable and consistent data from It even happens within the same multiple transport operators, I’m mode of transport – a motorway sure we’d see a flourishing of apps might be run by one operator, local that would put useful and relevant roads run by the local council and car information into the hands of parks run by a private sector operator. travellers and let them make better And if they don’t all make their data use of their time and resources. available then it severely limits how Breaking down the silos It’s an issue I see all around the Intelligent Transport Systems By Tim Gammons useful it can be to the traveller. Some travellers spend a lot of world. I’m glad to say that on my time waiting to make a connection What we should be aiming to achieve recent trip to Australia and New Putting the customer first between a bus and train journey. is some sort of platform where all Zealand, when I met with transport This is usually wasted time, because the information is provided in the authorities from several cities, often they can’t be sure how long one place. Then developers can many of them were open to the idea Imagine you’re on your way Such a scenario might sound But there’s still so much more that they’ll have to wait or if their simply and easily access it and start of making their data available. working on ways to help travellers to a long-awaited doctor’s revolutionary, but the fact is we can be done with transport data that scheduled service will run on time. In a way the transport sector has appointment and you get stuck have all the technology we need will make the customer experience But if an app was able to give them make the best use of the transport system. Information from health lagged behind other sectors such in a traffic jam or your train is to do these sorts of things today. more convenient and less stressful, certainty about when they will make as mobile phone services where late. Odds are you’ll miss the and help transport operators their connection, they could make and education providers could Transport operators have a huge different networks work in with appointment and have to reschedule maximise the efficiency of their better use of that time, perhaps by also be incorporated, allowing amount of real-time information each other. Phone companies are another in a few weeks’ time. networks, even to the extent of being going shopping or, if they had a society to make more efficient about how their networks are more about providing a service able to change travel behaviours to bit longer, by meeting a friend for use of these limited resources. But imagine if you had an app that operating, where the delays are, rather than providing products, converge demand and capacity. lunch, reassured by the knowledge drew in data about the transport how long they’ll last and so on. Feedback from customers which is where the transport that when they arrive back at the networks and predicted that you Some of that data is already being Transport apps will be able to draw system is currently focussed. railway station, their train will get These sorts of advances will also were going to be late before you deployed quite effectively, with in information from a range of them to their destination in time. let transport operators get more As entire transport networks start even left home. It could give you signs on motorways telling drivers different sources and help customers feedback from the behaviours of their to make better and more integrated the opportunity to leave earlier how long it will take them to get plan their entire journeys across a What’s holding these sorts of customers and adjust their offerings. use of all the data they have, their or to use a different mode of to a particular exit road or smart range of transport modes, rather advances back is that in many parts focus will also change from selling transport that wasn’t so congested. phone apps that can tell travellers than in unconnected fragments as of the world it’s difficult for the For instance, there might be a traffic a product – a bus ride or a trip on Or the app could let the doctor’s what time their bus arrives. currently happens. Once information developers – the people who would jam at a shopping complex car a motorway – to selling a service office know that you were going from disparate transport systems work on applications to let travellers park every morning at nine when it Known as intelligent transport – the best and most convenient to be late so they could shuffle can be drawn together, the customer use all of this information – to get opens. The shopping centre operators systems, these sorts of applications way of getting from A to B. And around other appointments can start receiving information that access to the underlying data. might try to induce some customers are undeniably very useful. the traveller, the environment and and you wouldn’t miss out. is personalised to them. They might Each transport operator usually has to come before the morning peak the economy will all benefit. be told via their smart phone, for its own data systems and they usually by sending them an alert that the instance, how long the drive to their don’t share it with other transport cafes and barber will open at 8am. Tim Gammons is Arup’s Global Imagine if you had an app that drew in data about destination will take in current traffic operators or the wider community. The operators can then measure Intelligent Transport Systems Leader. the transport networks and predicted that you were conditions and where they can find This is because of the way the data the response from customers a parking spot when they arrive. collection has developed. Each and whether they’ll have to offer going to be late before you even left home. mode of transport is its own silo, additional inducements to reduce the

30 31 Enhancing and sharing knowledge at Arup

By Andrew Maher

Like so many businesses these days, Arup is all about knowledge – everything we provide for our clients revolves around insights, creativity and solutions.

A quarter of a century ago, any Arup Arup University is like a corporate different skills networks, essentially years, producing thought pieces in a way that Arup University is Arup University is always looking employee with a technical problem Research & Development function, global communities of various on issues 40 years into the future. something that belongs to everybody for new and better ways we can do could consult our internal phone but it has components that wouldn’t disciplines that are practiced within Recently we published The Future and that everybody within the firm things. We’ve just put together our directory and start ringing company normally fit within traditional R&D. Arup, with the largest of them being of Highways and The Future of feels they can participate in. Part of strategic research agenda for the Asia experts around the world. It was said Many of these mirror the activities structural engineering. Each of Libraries (see p19). that involves sharing the stories of Pacific region and this time we did it that within three phone calls, they’d within a traditional university – those skills networks has a leader our successes, such as the research by crowd sourcing. We held a huge find someone who could help them hence the name. who determines what sort of skills Crowd sourcing projects our staff have done. number of workshops with all of our with their problem. The quick result development is needed for their research ideas staff, business and skills leaders on was a testament to the vast reservoir In terms of traditional research, particular discipline to ensure that A team in Victoria has been the ideas they were passionate about of knowledge possessed by our our experts at Arup have a focus everyone is kept up to date with the Finally, we have the library. We collecting data on micro-climates and thought we should be pursuing. employees. on three to five years in the future. latest from their industry. still have a lot of hard copy books in Melbourne by placing sensors in Collectively we came up with 400 They’ll pick an opportunity or issue – 25,000 in this region alone, and different species of trees around the different topics, which we whittled These days of course we use more that’s affecting us or our clients The university is responsible for this is important because it gives city to give us a better understanding down into four main themes, each modern technology than a printed and work on a solution, doing the knowledge sharing. As a firm that Arup University a physical presence. of the effects of different tree with 10 or 12 topics that reflect the telephone directory, but managing, research within the firm or striking works on a project basis we develop We’ve recently redesigned our canopies. The project, which we’re ideas we came up with. These range enhancing and sharing that up partnerships with other companies a lot of knowledge that is specific to Sydney offices to move to activity- doing with the City of Melbourne from new applications for traditional knowledge remains central to what or universities. A recent project each project, and that can be difficult based working, and Arup University and the University of Melbourne, materials, to how we better integrate we do. Like so many businesses these that our structural engineers have to share – the insights from one has been placed at the centre of the will help local authorities plant trees healthcare infrastructure, to better days, Arup is all about knowledge – been working on is the application project might not be applicable to the collaboration space because it’s at the that can help keep the temperature understanding the economics of large everything we provide for our clients of three-dimensional printing in next but are still worth retaining. It’s heart of everything we do. down on hot summer days. scale retrofitting. The projects, I’m revolves around insights, creativity construction. Steel printing is on the a challenge we’re constantly working sure, will yield results and insights and solutions. Supporting the Arup horizon, so they’re looking at how on, with various programs and The university is here to be used Another team in Queensland has and accessed by everyone within the in the years to come, and add to our business with the transfer of existing printed steel nodes will perform research focussed upon continually been looking at how waste from bank of knowledge. knowledge and the generation of new and what that means for the way improving the way we do this. firm. Just about everyone belongs to sugar cane plantations can be reused knowledge is one of the functions of buildings are designed. a skills community, so it’s a benefit and made into a type of asphalt for Andrew Maher is the Arup University Arup University. Next, the university has a global to all staff, not just a handful. This is roads, with obvious benefits for Leader in Australasia. Arup University also has a learning foresight group. Where our research important, because one of the keys sustainability and the environment. and development component, with & development focusses on projects to successful knowledge sharing a particular focus on technical that will be applicable to our work and learning is to bring the firm training. This comprises of 45 and our clients’ needs in the coming along with us: we have to operate

32 33 Climate change doesn’t stop at local government borders

By Rob Turk

While Australia’s federal politicians to and fro over For local governments in the industry, economic development, “Local government bears NAGA region – which covers a infrastructure, natural ecosystems the brunt of the challenges, environmental policies, Rob Turk tells us how it’s our local quarter of Melbourne’s population and environment. Over the past 14 councils who have been quietly getting on with tackling the – climatic changes and those months, each of these sectors across so they are best to act. projected for coming decades the nine NAGA councils have been But individually we cannot risks and impacts of climate change. A group of nine councils represent a significant source of magnified, reviewed and assessed get necessary momentum, risk from both a corporate and to determine the key areas in each in Melbourne’s North are working with Arup to develop a road community perspective. From these most affected by climate change sufficient buy-in, sufficient map to help communities be better prepared for, and more shifts comes more hot days, less – as part of preparing ‘Adaptation data, and sufficient rainfall but more intense storms, and in the North’. resources so as a group resilient in recovery from, extreme weather events arising from a harsher fire weather climate. The report provides councils with we have more clout.” climate change. Usually in times of major weather a starting point to guide them in events, the hardest hit areas of building resilience to climate change. Response to member survey in May 2014 on being asked the our community are emergency The final report is an extremely benefits of working regionally management, human services, valuable roadmap, but the journey has also proved a priceless part of the process. or how they need more data to Recently, US President Barack Whether you believe in climate rebuild and recover. A raft of social provide accurate information to Obama directed federal agencies and change or not, it’s difficult to argue issues have also ensued, including For councils, one of the main residents regarding flooding risk. state and local governments drawing against the fact that our communities large movements of population from NAGA Councils: challenges with climate change is federal funds, to adopt stricter have suffered immensely in recent rural areas to urban centres – driven that council-wide ownership of issues Arup provided the contextual building and siting standards. This years from many extreme weather by a desire to escape these risks Banyule City Council and actions is the responsibility framework for these workshops, reflects scientific projections that events such as floods, fires and Darebin City Council of many departments. All parts of which was based on extensive This loss of life and the ongoing council need to be involved if they research, analysis and assessment future flooding will be more frequent heatwaves. Hume City Council and intense due to climate change. upheaval for survivors is something are going to have a comprehensive (see above). This work informed The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in those local councils never want to Manningham City Council response. Through a series of a peer to peer conversation around In Australia, no such executive order Victoria saw Australia’s highest ever see repeated. The councils, which City of Melbourne workshops with professionals from those core sectors most affected has occurred, yet we are seeing a loss of life from bushfire, with 173 span the northern metropolitan region Moreland City Council each sector, these nine councils had by climate change. quiet revolution in the communities deaths. The week prior, the same area of Melbourne, from the CBD to the the opportunity to connect, for the of northern Melbourne, as a group of was engulfed in a record-breaking rural/urban fringe, combine to form Nillumbik Shire Council first time they were able to listen and The research, combined with councils view the future through the heatwave, claiming almost 400 lives. the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse City of Whittlesea share information with each other these insights, also shone the light climate change lens. Many who survived these events Action (NAGA). on where there is a dysfunction, City of Yarra about how they deal with climate have suffered a range of impacts and related issues such the impact of or a need for additional work. there are still communities trying to flooding on their drainage networks,

34 35 While it might be difficult to paint a precise picture of what the future will look like in 10 or 20 years, these nine councils in Melbourne’s North have realised climate change, like other environmental problems, doesn’t stop at government borders.

Bringing the report to life Many actions will also have benefits across sectors and across This assessment was conducted based on similar NAGA’s key role now is to work regions, such as expanding the methodologies conducted in New South Wales and with each council to determine which City of Melbourne’s internationally South Australia. It comprises four key steps: are the priority actions and move recognised, Urban Forest Strategy these forward as appropriate. to encompass all of Melbourne’s North. The implementation of this Development of a profile of A risk assessment of sector Many actions could be dubbed the NAGA region identifying vulnerabilities, based on ‘unsexy’ – but they are all vital in plan, within suggested timeframes, potential vulnerabilities to exposures to projected better managing the risks of extreme will see a demonstrable change in projected climate change, climate change; weather events, and helping the the greening and overall cooling of across six sectors: the broader region within a decade, A likelihood and community prepare, adapt and enable • Human services through a reduction in the heat consequence assessment; a better overall response. • Emergency management island effect, greater biodiversity • Infrastructure Development of adaptation Ensuring there is sufficient data and the enhanced livability of the • Industry actions (over 300 identified) to for drainage engineers to provide region. In terms of cross sector • Natural ecosystems respond to identified extreme accurate flood mapping for their benefits, a reduction in the urban • Planning and high risk vulnerabilities. municipality may not sound too heat island effect for a particular A history of collaboration exciting, but if you’re advising your area can also address the impacts between Melbourne’s North residents on where they can and can’t across the sectors of infrastructure, local governments: build, having accurate flood data will human services, industry and ensure lives and properties aren’t emergency management. 2009 Carbon mitigation strategy A good example of this is in in danger. While it might be difficult to paint (Towards Zero Net Emissions) emergency management where a precise picture of what the future there are grey areas between what Whether you believe in will look like in 10 or 20 years, 2015 Northern Horizons is the state government’s these nine councils in Melbourne’s responsibility, what is the local climate change or not, it’s North have realised climate change, government’s responsibility, Adaptation in the North Climate difficult to argue against the like other environmental problems, and how they coordinate during change adaptation assessment strategy fact that our communities doesn’t stop at government borders. emergency events. This process Their regional approach is a works to streamline that, and puts have suffered immensely Northern Regional Trails pioneering step in tackling climatic defined systems in place so there development of an integrated in recent years from many exposure events which have been is consistency in approach when off-road recreational trail network extreme weather events such acutely felt in the NAGA region dealing with vulnerable people over recent years. across the region. as floods, fires and heatwaves.

36 37 If it’s possible at the Sydney Opera House…

By Mark Adams

Mark Adams, Arup Project Director for the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project at the Sydney Opera House, explores how surging visitor numbers can affect our iconic structures. Upgrades are vital to keep them relevant and viable well into the future, and it is possible for business operations to continue

@ Jeremy Piper seamlessly while major upgrades occur behind the scenes.

38 39 @ JackAtley Courtesy of Sydney Opera House Trust @ Jeremy Piper

This scene could be happening in The House was originally designed will, from time to time, need A massive undertaking – creation of a new Loading Dock, Without VAPS, or any of the any city around the world. More than with two main performing venues; renewal or modification for diversion of an historic stormwater drain and massive upgrading that has occurred over its 50% of the world’s population now it now has seven. It was designed 40-year history, the Opera House lives in urban areas, a percentage for a staff one-tenth the total number technical and functional excavations on the Forecourt – which took place relatively would have progressively become that will only increase. By 2050, now working on site. The House reasons.” hidden from sight, with absolutely no impact on existing less functional and efficient. While global population is projected to today is operating at a different facilities and operations. it is hard to imagine the House grow from 7.2 billion to 9.6 billion, magnitude than was ever envisaged. And beyond the interiors, too. Enter ever lacking visitors, who’s to and much of this will occur in cities. stage left the Vehicle Access and say that it would have risen to the With about 1,700 paid performances Pedestrian Safety Project, or VAPS Within the House, the works will Behind the scenes, existing access prominence it enjoys today, as It’s a pretty straightforward equation. per year, it’s one of the busiest tourist (see p43 & 44 for more detail). provide the basis for improved routes were maintained, or new such a powerful driver in tourism, As populations grow and travel and cultural precincts in the world. operational efficiency throughout. ones devised through temporary commerce and culture. Ultimately, becomes more accessible, we are Between these performances, and Ultimately, this project will divert bridges and the remapping of service Despite the enormity of the task, the resulting ‘product’ contributes seeing more and more people living the restaurants, bars, retail outlets all delivery traffic from the roadway channels. Noisy works were carried to revitalising the city and making in and visiting our cities, which and guided tours, operations run to a newly excavated underground all works have been carried out while out through the middle of the night performances, events, and food it more livable and enjoyable, and in turn is putting pressure on our 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. Loading Dock with a capacity that and early morning, leaving peak you can’t put a price on that. buildings and transport systems. will ensure the functionality of the and beverage operations continued. times free for essential operation, In 1999, then Premier of House for many years to come. This was achieved through a practice and performance. When the Opera House was initially NSW Bob Carr said: careful sequencing of construction It’s so important to keep designed (1955-1959), population Freeing up the roadway and Western works by Sydney Opera House and With a price tag of $152 million, and visitor numbers were far Broadwalk will enable the House to construction contractors, including the recent Sydney Opera House these sort of sites relevant smaller than they are today; no “It is clear the Opera House be what it was always envisioned to building the new Loading Dock roof upgrades (VAPS), effectively and operational. designer could have anticipated the will stand for centuries to be… a place for visitor experience. beneath the Forecourt, in stages, if subtly enable a more massive growth that has occurred. come, [and] its interiors before excavation took place, thereby attractive Sydney that is also maintaining usual pedestrian access more livable for residents. during the project’s lifespan.

40 41 Queen Victoria Market will be a 1999 – 2003 ‘market of markets’, with a distinctive offer and experience in each of its Opera Theatre Renewal Project – main trading quarters, interlinked by a network of attractive public spaces Concept Design. Arup provided and connected to the surrounding structural, acoustic, geotechnical, city by high quality streetscapes. façade engineering, and fire engineering consultancy services, and 3D CAD modelling. Concept design included underground loading dock, new scenery dock, 2006 – 2009 lowered stage, lowered and augmented auditorium seating, new Western Foyers Upgrade Project access arrangements, new ceiling (WFUP), including Bennelong Lift system. Also structural analysis installation, northern extension of of the existing Opera Theatre roof undercroft basement, replacement structure to check its resilience in the of structural walls by new internal face of small predicted movements column arcade, new ceiling to the roof support pedestals arising structure, new toilets, remodelled from proposed substructure works. northern entry. Arup provided There was also extensive use of structural, a/v, geotechnical, fire 3D CAD modelling and analysis- engineering, facade engineering, and to-CAD software interoperability. risk and security consulting services.

A selection of our experience at the @ City of Melbourne Sydney Opera House

As society changes and population “It will set it up for the next 100 years of trading. 1959 – 1973 2002 – 2004 2009 – 2010 grows, Australia’s places It will turn the market from a $91 million a year entity and spaces need to maintain Arup were engineers for Utzon Room Refurbishment including Western Venues Upgrade Project relevance; they need to improve to a $690 million a year entity,” the original design and life installation. Arup provided including loading analysis and over time and must operate construction of the Sydney structural, acoustic, geotechnical, and structural analysis of Concert Hall efficiently well into the future. “This is not just about the renewal of the market, Opera House, all 3 stages. fire engineering consulting services. ceiling system, and functionality important though that is. This is about creating one upgrades to the three L12 Western In Victoria, the Lord Mayor Robert Venues. Arup provided structural, fire Doyle recently announced a $250 of the great economic drivers of our city.” 1973 – 1998 engineering, theatre planning, a/v, million revitalisation project for the 2003 – 2006 and acoustics consulting services. Ongoing Arup involvement historic Vic Markets, an inner city in inspections, reporting and icon which attracts up to 10 million Loggia and Western Wall Openings maintenance projects, particularly visits each year. Easing pedestrian Project. Arup provided structural, 2009 – Current And he is right. The same goes concerning tile lids and tilting, glazing, acoustics geotechnical, fire congestion, and improving safety Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety Project for the Opera House, or any of precast cladding, durability issues, engineering, facade engineering and and amenity for visitors are key (VAPS). Concept design stage for Australia’s key icons. It’s crucial boardwalk structures. Also structural risk and security consulting services. initiatives of the masterplan. we invest in maintaining them, interventions including southern a new underground loading dock with tunnel connections to Opera In a recent interview with culturally and economically. escalator installation, undercroft design and construction, and some Theatre Scenery Dock and Concert Radio 3AW he said, After all, if it’s possible at Hall Stage Lift. Arup are providing internal structural modifications. 2006 – 2009 the Sydney Opera House, structural, fire engineering, and risk it’s possible anywhere. Escalator installation to Southern and security consulting services. Foyers, L30 to L42. Component of WFUP. Arup provided structural and fire engineering consulting services.

42 43 Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety Project Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House operations didn’t skip a beat while it underwent the biggest construction project since it opened in 1973 — Mark Adams explains VAPS.

WHAT PROBLEM DID THIS WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROJECT SOLVE? PROUD OF? The myriad problems of a growing To take an incredibly complex number of pedestrians sharing piece of infrastructure and construct the roadway with 1,000 delivery it under the Opera House without vehicles each week. VAPS closing venues or cancelling enhanced tourist and visitor performances. Every show during safety by removing heavy vehicles the construction period — and from the roadway and Western this was a huge number of perf Broadwalk to a new underground ormances — went on. Given the Loading Dock. Pedestrians will complexity of the work under a have safe and exclusive access structure so complex, it’s an amazing to all the Sydney Opera House achievement for everyone involved. facilities at Forecourt level. Arup was responsible for the structural, civil and fire engineering WHAT DID THE PROJECT INVOLVE? design for the project. The client for the work was the Sydney Opera • Diversion of the Bennelong House Trust and the project manager Drain, an historic stormwater was the Sydney Opera House drain servicing parts of the Building group. The construction Sydney CBD, that runs across contractors were Seymour Whyte the Sydney Opera House site (enabling works) and John Holland • Excavation of a new access Constructions (main works package). road and Loading Dock under the Forecourt and Vehicle Concourse • Remediation of the existing road to remove the kerbs

@ JackAtley 44 Courtesy of Sydney Opera House Trust 45 Walkonomics: the High Line effect

By Demetrio Scopelliti Investing in walkable public spaces should be a Publicly funded schemes to improve Improving public realm is also former factories and warehouses Liveable places and walkable walkability can add significant value fundamentally important for urban and creating hundreds of new parks, environments make cities more no-brainer; they can be a catalyst for regeneration, to private property – as Transport regeneration. In New York, the squares and promenades, boosting its vibrant, sustainable and healthier, but make cities attractive to private investment and for London’s Valuing Urban Realm $115m the city spent on the High annual visitor numbers from 1.7 to also more attractive. They boost the provide economic benefits to communities. Toolkit has demonstrated. It showed Line generated over $2bn in private 7.4 million. urban economy, and they definitely how in The Cut, a recent £3m investment surrounding the park. make us all richer – in every sense of investment in widening pavements, The ‘Bilbao effect’ showed how a In the same period, the city of the word. This is another reason to planting trees, improving lighting city could reinvent itself through Melbourne renovated its pavements put the quality of public space at the Walkable streets and attractive Recent research commissioned by and creating space for outdoor dining iconic architecture. Now the ‘High and street furniture and turned narrow heart of placemaking. public spaces have proven social Living Streets shows that “making increased local property prices by Line effect’ has shown how an iconic back alleyways (known as laneways and environmental benefits. They places better for walking can boost over £9.5m. park can attract five million visitors in Australia) into a walkable network Continue the conversation at enhance liveability – increasing footfall and trading by up to 40%, a year, create 12,000 jobs and that increased pedestrian traffic by Arup Thoughts. social cohesion and encouraging while good urban design can raise In the US, Walk Score, a walkability double the property value in the 40%. The city also activated the physical activity while reducing retail rents by up to 20%”. Using index based on the presence of surrounding area. alleyways as destinations in their traffic and improving air quality. sales tax receipts to compare retail amenities within walking distance, own right – complete with cafes and However, the fact that the public activity before and after street allows people to find apartments At the urban scale, cities like restaurants. In fact, outdoor cafes realm can also be incredibly redesigns, the New York City’s and rentals in livable environments. Barcelona and Melbourne have have increased from fewer than 50 in profitable is less well understood Department of Transportation has Academics have used Walk Score to combined regenerating public space 1990 to over 600 today. In 2014, The and often overlooked. recently proved that transforming show how a walkable urban public for social and environmental benefits Economist nominated Melbourne as an underused parking area in a realm directly translates into an with a branded place-making process. the Most Liveable City in the world pedestrian plaza in Brooklyn has led increase in home values of between In the last 20 years, Barcelona for the fourth consecutive time. The to a dramatic increase of 172% in $700 and $3,000 for each point on a has implemented a public space city’s economic vitality has enjoyed a retail sales. score out of 100. policy that involves tearing down similar boost.

@ Reeve Jolliffe @ Maria Eklind @ David Berkowitz

46 47 The value of data comes from what you do with it, such as using building information modelling (BIM) to fine-tune the built environment.

We’re in the middle of an information explosion. Data is too More data will be created and stored in the next precious not 18 months than in the whole of history to date. And I believe this data will be most valuable if it’s shared to share openly (to the greatest extent possible – some data is private or commercially sensitive) and used effectively.

By Tristram Carfrae The Australian government has Shouldn’t a building that has its own companies to compete and when chosen to make all public data digital definition be more valuable you wanted them to collaborate. available for the common good, for than one that doesn’t? It should be free – with a service charge that is easier to manage, renovate or even In this world, organisations like no more than the cost of providing demolish. All those things would Arup would have to be what it. You could argue this makes sense be easier if you have what is, in I call “increasingly porous”. for public data, but what about data effect, a full set of instructions for We’d have to be more and more owned by private companies? your asset; and these instructions open to collaboration; we’d should belong to the asset. have to embrace ideas like It looks as though Google has crowd-sourcing to find value. decided its future value is based Take this further. Imagine a scenario This will require sharing data. entirely on the data it generates where we effectively have three through its services, so it’s unlikely built environments – two virtual As a step towards this, we’ve created to give it away. But I think anyone and one physical. The first virtual the Arup Data Hub. When fully owning data in this way needs to environment would be where you developed, everyone inside the firm realise that it isn’t the data itself tried things out, experimented with will be able to see all the data for all that’s valuable, it’s what you do with different interventions – a test or the projects we’ve ever done – unless it that creates the value – the services development environment. The we have agreed not to of course. that you provide with the data. second virtual environment would But in the future should we open this run in parallel with, and be connected up to people outside the firm too? Take building information modelling to, the real world, helping you Do you think this would help us (BIM), for example. It’s something optimise its performance in real time; the industry has created to help make the world a better place by receiving real time feedback data finding new ways to collaborate, or design and construct projects, but and providing real time instructions. it’s potentially much more than do you think we’d be giving away this. BIM introduces the idea that I think this would produce the data that’s inherently valuable? for every physical asset there best possible built environment. I’d be interested to hear your views. could be a virtual equivalent. And to achieve it, you’d need Continue the conversation at data to be shared freely. You’d Arup Thoughts. have to choose when you wanted

48 49 Regional Rail Link

Location: The recently opened Regional Rail Link Authority The KBR Arup (KAJV) design joint The reference design we delivered Melbourne, Victoria is a landmark award-winning infrastructure venture was awarded the concept was largely carried through to Country: design for the entire alignment, the final design and construction, Australia project designed to remove bottlenecks in which was then extended to the underlining the robustness of Victoria’s rail network. It separates metropolitan development of reference designs and the early design stages. Client: technical advisor support for both the Regional Rail Link Authority and regional trains to improve reliability and procurement phase and subsequent Contributing more than 15 Collaborators: offers new services to the growth areas in construction phase. The $3.9bn engineering services to this KBR project comprises 45km of new rail project over more than five years Melbourne’s west. It also frees up critically track, 25 bridges, five new upgraded our multidisciplinary design needed space on other suburban lines. stations and five grade separations will benefit many by improving within the operational rail corridor. reliability of the train network and offer new services to growth Regional Rail Link Authority was new stations at Wyndham Vale, The co-located, multidisciplinary areas in Melbourne’s west. Victoria’s highest priority project for Tarneit and West Footscray and design team worked in tandem action submitted to Infrastructure major upgrades to Sunshine and with the client and stakeholder Hear from members Australia and was jointly funded by Footscray stations. Two new organisations to investigate options at of the KAJV team. Federal and State Governments. platforms at Southern Cross Station concept design stage. These included in Melbourne and the construction possible tunnel alignments, alternate The project includes dedicated of a major new rail bridge over grade separation configurations and regional tracks allowing regional the Maribyrnong River will elements of early works to expedite services to run directly into also provide further capacity. project delivery. Melbourne, including three

Images @ Regional Rail Link Media Library

50 51 Andrew Maher is Australasian Andrew, please tell me how your “new”, which might be 3 to 5 years. Leader of Arup University. work relates to the future of cities. Then we do research for “next”, which is a 20-40 year horizon. Previously he established Andrew Maher (AM): 10 years The Foresight team looks at where Digital Innovation at Arup, ago, in Arup, we were probably we can see aspects of the future An interview with: developing new ways of around 4 thousand people globally; and pull those things together, now we’re about 13 thousand including user stories of the future. Andrew Maher working, delivering and people. Previously, we focused communicating services on buildings but we observed You’re obviously doing a lot of By Idil Gaziulusoy using the latest technological that in the past ten years the main thinking about the future of cities. capabilities. He leads Arup’s growth has been outside of the buildings group and mostly around If you imagine now that we are in corporate R&D function urban planning, transport systems, 2040 and the city we’re living in is Andrew Maher was interviewed as part in the region focusing on economics, disciplines like that. radically low carbon and resilient, of the “Visions & Pathways 2040” project, development of innovation We’ve been thinking about what what does it look and feel like? about the future of Australian cities. strategy and foresight. that means. This year, our annual AM: I would think personally that Between 2002-2007 he was a design book is entitled 50 city stories it might not look a lot different to explored and strategically we see Research Fellow at the Spatial what we have today because our our work is in cities and we think building stock lasts for so long. One Information Architecture about the future of cities a lot. of the things we’ve been thinking is Laboratory at RMIT University. that by 2040 autonomous vehicles In addition to architecture, You also have a foresight background. should be prevalent. So the way that Andrew has a background Can you open up how Arup foresight we occupy our road systems and links to the work on cities? the way that we use our transport in business and foresight. networks will radically change. That AM: We package those two together. will have major impact on what we We have our ongoing learning, use the spaces within our cities for. our research, and foresight work. How we power our transport systems The knowledge sharing component, may radically change and we’re all of our skills communities, are doing some work with people that are based around our various disciplines. looking at large scale solar research. There’s about 45 of those. They They’re looking to see if they can all fit under this umbrella which is augment power to trams through called Arup University. Foresight is solar. So, I think by 2040, rather than one of those things and it fits nicely everybody individually having solar with research. We do research for

52 53 Do you think that autonomous vehicles will play a major role in human transport?

I think we will use resources much more efficiently. You talked about autonomous Do you think that autonomous challenging to install these little changed my thinking. I think we vehicles. What kind of a role do vehicles will play a major devices in the city. It was difficult will use resources much more There will be amazing new occupations and skills. you think autonomous vehicles role in human transport? to get power to them. They are efficiently. There will be amazing Completely new disciplines will emerge and I will be playing in 2040 in terms of potentially difficult to maintain. new occupations and skills. AM: Yeah, I’m really looking think I’m going to look at it in 2040, if I’m around, making it low carbon and resilient? Some devices broke down quite a Completely new disciplines will forward to them. I don’t particularly lot…So you start to think, well, who emerge and I think I’m going to and be amazed. AM: I think with autonomous like driving. If I can dial up a car and are the people that are going to go look at it in 2040, if I’m around, and vehicles it’s still very much around have it there waiting for me when around and monitor these things and be amazed. One of the things that how they’re powered and so not I need to go somewhere and then it install them? So here are two sorts really concern me at the moment cells all over the place, we will have powering them through the burning goes off and does its own thing and of people we will need. There’ll be though, is the lack of opportunities that in conjunction with large-scale of fossil fuels would be very another car comes along and picks people who develop processes for for the younger people to engage generation of renewable energy. important. We think that there won’t me up when I’m finished, I’d be more automation, applying new sorts of with software; building things, We’ve just finished a research project necessarily be fewer vehicles but than happy. So, it’s not an ownership skills that they’re learning. But also, prototyping things and programming. with the University of Melbourne on there might be different vehicles model; there could be a model in we still have silos of information Because we need to provide people the Internet of Things collaborating for different types of things. So which vehicles will be available and one of the things that I think is with those sorts of skills, and from with the City of Melbourne. Lots little delivery vehicles or drones when and where you need them. going to be really important is how a very young age. I think access to delivering and doing certain types of things will become connected Looking at the signals, what we connect those silos together. And capital is an interesting one as well and a whole lot of new services will of things. The vehicles will more on the existence of silos, we’re going because while there’re things like efficiently use the current set of kind of jobs and new skills be offered for better utilisation of will we need by 2040? to need to have people who navigate Kickstarter and all that sort of thing, current infrastructure. Some people roads and some of the interesting those silos, collect, integrate and generally developing an appetite in Arup have been talking about questions that will come out of that AM: What skills we will be attaining communicate knowledge in forms for risk with respect to investment the systems within buildings and is if all of these vehicles understand by 2040 fascinates me, especially applicable to increasingly more in Australia will be a challenge. the possibility of manufacturers where they’re going and how best as a parent. In terms of the people interconnected systems. So, I cannot putting the components they supply to move through the city and how who work at Arup we’re completely tell you about job titles but there’ll What are the three most important on lease agreements. Would you to be routed through, then what changing the workplace at the be specialists who make new things disruptive forces at the moment get a different set of behaviours happens to pedestrians for example. moment. Completely. I think most and who look after new sorts of that will change the cities towards if the systems in buildings were How do you interact with them? And workplaces are similar to when I things that we will need and there’ll becoming low carbon and resilient? also that goes for cyclists too. So retrofitted and owned by a company was a graduate 20 years back and yet be generalists who are going to be AM: Ubiquitous computing, and they would be monitoring and I think there’s going to be a whole there has been large scale changes able to tell the stories and connect. bunch of really interesting questions sharing economy and large scale maintaining them all the time. This within society, especially around energy storage. is an example of an application that come up as more systems need how we communicate. I mentioned Are there any particular barriers that of the coming instrumentation to be developed and integrated. earlier the research we were doing you see for a hopeful future to emerge? of the built environment and the with the City of Melbourne and the AM: A few years ago, I may have industrial Internet of Things that University of Melbourne on the articulated a dystopian view of the will have significant implications Internet of Things. It was really future for you but I’ve completely on becoming low-carbon in cities.

54 55 Office contacts

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