e-mosty December 2018 e-mosty December 2018 | Page 19

Figures 36 and 37: Finished bridge showing variation and quality in finishes and designed construction joints
Then comes the idea in my mind as to what the
structure should look in that environment and how it
can be created in that environment, establishing the
sensitivity of the structure in that environment. Also
gaining an idea of problems in construction process
that would follow.
I always design for construction – even if it is not a
design and build contract. I have always understood
that providing solutions that are buildable with
minimizing risk in construction gives overall economy.
My concepts are never geared to availability in skill in
that area. But instead I work with inexperienced
teams, to assist and enable them to gain skill and
produce work.
This is viable only if the concept is robust, the
designer is willing to help the contractor, and has the
fundamental competence to provide leadership as
required, with the design which has a safe and
appropriate construction method.
Sungai Prai is an example of a single mind, enabling
team work, but with the focus to minimize change.
Not design by committee.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
For the projects described in this article, I was lead
designer, Director, and Head of Bridges and Special
Structures at Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners). I
am grateful for the support of the firm and my team
during this period in producing an exceptional range a
quality of work. Of the many people who have
collaborated with me the following deserve special
mention: Charles Malek, Kelvin Moneypenny, Dr
Arabi El-Shenawi, Ali Hussain and Dr Gopal Srinivasan.
FURTHER EXAMPLES OF MY WORK
For all of the structures presented below, I was the
sole originator of the concept and personally
responsible for concept design without any architects.
I also personally ran the teams which took the
concepts through detailed design and to site.
I visited the sites of all structures during all stage of
the work.
4/2018
I was also fully responsible for the contractual and
financial aspects of the projects.
In most cases I was personally responsible for the
award of the project.