Forward by ERIK OOSTWEGEL

Erik Oostwegel

Our built environment shapes our communities and cultures, and defines our eras and industries. In this edition we focus on new concepts that are breathing life into our hospitals, schools and universities, factories and facilities, and reviving historic structures to make them fit for purpose in our modern world.

Many of these projects will become 21st century landmarks, renowned, not only for their facade, interior or purpose, but for innovations built into their design to maximise energy efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.

It is timely that I welcome Marije Hulshof, our new Director of Buildings, who is focusing on providing our clients with cost effective innovations in building design. We hear from members of Marije’s team about the delivery of future proof designs, with in-built flexibility, to allow for future expansion. We discover the approach used by Gerarda Nierman, Royal Haskoning’s environmental psychologist, which is changing the way we interact with the buildings where we work, study, or receive treatment. We also hear about a unique piece of research by Dr Matthew Hunt, which further investigates the design of buildings using a ‘waste free’ philosophy.

While the western world learns to operate within a challenging economy, we look to the east for inspiration. First to Asia, where in Indonesia there is a surge in cosmetic and confectionary manufacturing, and south to Australia, where the boom in resources has created a demand for port and rail infrastructure. Here we interview Greg Britton, head of our newly established Sydney office, to gain a foothold on the country’s opportunities and contrasting challenges. I hope you enjoy reading our first edition of Range for 2012, and discover much valuable information within these pages.

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