Project: SFB Collserola, Barcelona

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Project: SFB Collserola, Barcelona

Role: Project Director

01 – Technical Expertise

This is a two-level basement next to an existing building. The existing building had to be connected internally to the carpark. The existing building was to be extended upwards one level, and we validated the existing structure using load replacement principles. A new pitched lightweight steel structure roof was introduced.

A new public space was to be created in front of the building, and a bus stop had to be integrated in that front space.

This basement required the retention system to be in place before the excavation started. The soil conditions were very irregular, including both rock and clay in the same excavation.

I envisaged using a rotary machine to demolish the rock combined with a bentonite solution. I chose diaphragm walls with temporary ties in the ground.

02 – Leadership and Management Skills

The structural requirements for this project were a major driving force in the design. I delivered this project in partnership with the Architect process, which required people working in the architect practice on a temporary basis.

03 – Communication and Stakeholder Management

The client was a public company, and we had to carefully manage and communicate all the risks and solutions for their technical team to approve.

04 – Financial and Commercial Acumen

This project was commissioned to GMA consultants. I created GMA, and I was the company executive director. The resources adapted to each stage of the job, which in most cases required me to be involved full-time.

05 – Personal Qualities

This was a very challenging time in my career. I was taking a lot of responsibility as well as developing my technical skills at a fast speed. At the time, the market was very demanding, and my firm concentrated on the production aspect. It was an ideal time for a young engineer to start a business.