Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
Arup is celebrating success after the Nishi building was named ‘International Project of the Year’ at the 2015 Building Awards.
Nishi is the centrepiece of Canberra’s award-winning NewActon precinct developed by Arup’s client, Molonglo Group. It is Canberra’s most sustainable building and sets the benchmark for environmentally responsive commercial and residential developments in Australia and across the globe. The award recognises Nishi’s irrefutable sustainability credentials, the strong focus on design throughout its creation, and the enduring cultural programming in the building since it has opened.
As well as being lead building design engineer, Arup was the scheme’s Project Manager in collaboration with Molonglo Group. Rob Leslie-Carter led Arup’s programme and project management team (PPM) from Nishi’s early concept stages through to completion.
“Being involved in Nishi was truly inspirational and it fully deserves its place on the international stage. As a project it had all the essential elements for success – world class designers, a team approach bound by trust and collaboration, and most importantly the leadership of a client with a crystal clear vision and an unswerving determination to create a place that really matters. Nishi has genuinely raised the Arup bar in terms of what we now know can be achieved in mixed use developments through strong design and project management innovation. Completing Nishi’s international legacy, we are now incorporating many of the lessons learned and its successes into commercial property projects in London and the UK.
Rob Leslie-Carter, Director, PPM, Arup
“In the year that we celebrate our 25th anniversary of professional programme and project management at Arup, it is fantastic to be recognised with such an important award. Arup has over 700 professional project managers based in 24 countries around the world. The network we have created between staff is extremely strong, and staff mobility and knowledge sharing continues to be a key focus. Nishi is a perfect example that showcases how we are able to respond to local challenges using our international expertise. I am very proud of the team.
Julie Wood, Director and Global PPM Leader, Arup
Arup was also shortlisted for a record five further awards, including ‘Woman of Year’ where Julie Wood and Jen Bousfield, Associate were recognised in the top seven inspirational women in the built environment.
The other shortlisted entries were ‘Construction Consultant of the Year’, ‘Engineering Consultant of the Year’ and ‘BIM Initiative of the Year’.
The Building Awards are the construction industry’s longest running and most prestigious recognition of excellence. The awards showcase the best of the construction industry, from individual projects to training and outstanding individuals. For the full list of winners and finalists please visit the Building Awards website.