The Role of Continuous Involvement in Engineering Projects: Lessons from the Delhi Airport Roof Collapse
In the wake of the recent tragedy of the Delhi airport roof collapse, architects and designers need to reflect on the processes and roles involved in large-scale engineering projects. This incident underscores the importance of continuous involvement from the initial conceptualisation to the final handover, particularly in projects of national importance and engineering criticality.
Continuous Involvement from Inception to Handover
One critical lesson from this tragedy is the necessity for the principal consultant to be involved throughout the project's lifecycle. Often, projects are managed in “segmented phases: point A to point B, point B to point C, and so on, which can be called a relay process,” says Anand Sharma, Principal architect, DFI. While this approach might work for smaller projects, it poses significant risks for large-scale projects with high engineering demands.
The principal designer, whose vision and ideas sparked the project's inception, should oversee the entire process. This continuity ensures that the original design intent and safety considerations are preserved and adapted as the project progresses. Discontinuity in leadership and vision can lead to misinterpretations and compromises that might jeopardise the project's integrity and safety.
The EPC Model and Its Limitations
The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model is commonly used in large projects. Here, the architect develops the concept design and brings it to the tender stage. Subsequently, the contractor takes over the engineering design and execution, often with minimal input from the original architect. This separation can lead to a significant disconnect between the initial vision and the final product.
No architect can fully immerse themselves in another's design as deeply as the originator of the concept. This disconnect can result in critical oversights, as the essence of the design might not be fully understood or respected by those who come later in the process.
A Solution: A Call for Integrated Project Models
The Delhi airport roof collapse serves as a stark reminder that an integrated project model is crucial for projects of significant scale and national importance. The principal architect should have a continuous role, ensuring that the project stays true to its original vision and adheres to safety and quality standards throughout its lifecycle.
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