< PreviousGENDER DIVERSITY 10 CONSTRUCTION WEEK DECEMBER 2020WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM Women have made great strides in breaking the glass ceiling in the construction and infrastructure industry, but more must be done to achieve gender parity, beginning with answering the right questions when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the sector. Increasing awareness around the significant benefits of diversity to business and fostering female talent especially when it comes to leadership roles in the sector are key to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace. In an exclusive conversation with Construction Week, international law firm Reed Smith’s partner Michelle Nelson, and legal director Rachel Larkin speak about the rise of gender diversity in arbitral tribunals and how the construction and infrastructure industry, (like all other industries) are seeing the impact of gender diversity on productivity and decision- making. Larkin, who formerly worked as an in-house counsel for a construction firm discussed how a gender-diverse work environment helps to increase productivity for a company: “When you start to talk about productivity, the impact of gender diversity will be more pronounced in some areas of the business than it is in others.” “Once you get up to C suite level, there can be different approaches between men and women. Often, the more diverse a board you have, the better the decisions that come out of it. That is as true in the construction industry as it is in any other industry,” Larkin, a specialist in international dispute resolution, focusing on disputes within the infrastructure sector in the MENA region, adds. Meanwhile, Nelson, who is a specialist arbitration lawyer and leads Reed Smith’s construction, infrastructure, energy and “Gender diversity in the age of the pandemic” International law firm Reed Smith’s partner Michelle Nelson, and legal director Rachel Larkin, speak to Construction Week’s digital editor Ranju Warrier about the rise of gender diversity in arbitral tribunals and the construction industry against the backdrop of the global pandemic There is a lack of senior female engineers in the construction industry, but that speaks more in the lack of women taking STEM subjects at the graduate level [Image: CW Archives/ Shutterstock]DECEMBER 2020 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 11WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM has been the lack of flexible working arrangements, according to Larkin, which has led to “many women dropping out of the profession before reaching very senior positions within their career”. This raises the question, how can businesses address this? Response to gender diversity Companies that address gender diversity issues as business issues, not just as human resources issues, are the ones that will benefit in a long run. Larkin explains: “Quite often, issues like gender diversity, or diversity more broadly, can end up at the bottom of a company’s very long to-do list. “However, companies that succeed in addressing these issues, are the ones who always keep them as one of their top priorities.” In 2018, Reed Smith joined the #SeeHer campaign, becoming the first law firm to be a member of the Association of National Advertisers’ (ANA) Movement to developing, retaining, and advancing talented women. “It is encouraging to see that the campaign has been embraced across the region where questions to gender diversity have been answered. More women are now part of government and local organisations, including taking up senior roles,” concludes Nelson. natural resources disputes practice in the Middle East, says: “I think the regional construction industry is probably no better and no worse than its global colleagues across the world. “A more diverse representation across the sector can only be positive. Having been based in the Middle East for more than 16 years practicing as a lawyer in the construction, infrastructure, and oil and gas sectors, I have never found that gender has been an issue in terms of dealing with our clients, and dealing with people on the other side from disputes. “If there are different sorts of personalities, backgrounds, and experiences across the board, particularly in the current climate where everyone is facing the challenges from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, diversity of gender can only be positive.” Women in leadership Explaining how the construction industry has improved when it comes to the inclusion of women in leadership roles, Larkin states: “The construction industry does a comparatively better job than many other industries of retaining the small proportion of women that have been coming into its businesses, and promoting them into senior roles. “The main challenge faced by the construction industry in increasing gender diversity is that there is a lack of women taking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at the graduate level.” Nelson seconds Larkin, while adding that “traditionally these sectors have been male dominated”. She adds that for women who wish to combine their careers in the industry with family, the challenge has been both the absence of women role models in the sector and the lack of flexibility when working. Reed Smith, according to Nelson, has been making sure that there are more women at board level through all aspects of senior management. From retaining talent to promoting women through the ranks and taking up a flexible approach, Reed Smith has been supportive of creating the right working environment. Nelson states that the pandemic has given a certain amount of recognition to people’s ability to work remotely. This has also been the case with the construction industry, where the majority of the work is being accomplished on the site. “The positives that have come out of this situation demonstrates that people can work differently. This could enable the construction industry as well to encourage women to remain in more senior roles within the business,” notes Nelson. Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, the pandemic has given rise to opportunities, where people can now work remotely, and this has been positive for women in the industry. “A lot of the issues we had been facing are now falling away,” exclaims Larkin. Rise of women in arbitrations According to a 2020 report, ‘Cross- Institutional Task Force on Gender Diversity in Arbitral Appointments and Proceedings’, by the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), gender diversity in arbitral tribunals has been increasing, with the number of female arbitrators appointed to tribunals has doubled in the past four years. Nelson herself has been appointed as arbitrator by two of the major arbitral institutions. The increase has been largely based on the efforts of institutions to bring more female lawyers and arbitrators on board. However, the path to the rise of women in law firms as well as senior leadership roles has not been easy. One of the main obstacles in the past Rachel Larkin, associate at Reed SmithMichelle Nelson, Partner at Reed Smith GENDER DIVERSITYMODULAR TECH 12 CONSTRUCTION WEEK DECEMBER 2020WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM Modular construction continues to gain steam, with contractors accelerating their shift towards off-site development. Identifying the benefits of the construction type, Kuwait-based interiors and equipment firm Alshaya Enterprises debuted a modular construction solution into the Middle East alongside Forta PRO. Forta PRO specialises in prefabricated modular construction for the hospitality and the residential sectors. As COVID-19 continues to hamper construction sites and on-site development, off-site modular construction presents exciting opportunities for the industry. In commemoration of this partnership, both companies signed the agreement in September 2020. Alshaya eyes the hospitality sector As part of a recent development in its partnership with Forta PRO, Alshaya Enterprises shared with Construction Week that it has initiated work on two hospitality projects, one in Saudi Arabia and the other in Kuwait. Both hotel properties are currently in the permit issuance and design stage. The projects will be approached with a modular construction methodology, while adhering to the prescribed codes for sustainability and safety. Benefits of modular construction “Modular construction has been the preferred choice, owing to its several benefits. The type of construction is proved to result in cost savings by 10% and halve the time generally spent on projects; we expect to reap the same benefits for both our hospitality projects as well as exciting opportunities in F&B and the residential sector,” Alshaya Enterprises’ acting CEO, Ehab Farag, said. Receptive and reactive to industry dynamics, Alshaya Enterprises sensed the need to switch from conventional ways of working and adapt to new technologies despite being a veteran for decades in the industry. “Investing in modular technology has opened up a new market for Alshaya Enterprises and has helped us increase our product range,” Farag continues. “Moreover, it is our social obligation to move forward and support new technologies.” Alshaya Enterprises chooses the modular way forward As the industry shifts its attention towards off-site development, Alshaya Enterprises debuts a modular construction solution in partnership with Latvia-based Forta PRO Alshaya Enterprises signed an agreement - remotely - with Forta PRO in September 2020, to debut its modular construction solution [Image: Supplied]DECEMBER 2020 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 13WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM sector, as well as various modern design projects in the future. Modular construction in COVID-19 Is modular construction the industry’s answer to the current pandemic situation? Early this year, Construction Week observed and highlighted that the pre-fab and modular industry is being considered as the only option to fast track the completion of projects despite logistical issues associated with COVID-19. Reiterating this, Alshaya Enterprises identifies hospitality and healthcare as the fast-growing sectors in modular construction during these times. “Our current and primary focus is on hospitality projects; after COVID-19, tourism will be back in demand and that demand will have to be served. Forta PRO is capable of carrying works for 120,000m2 per year in one shift, which can be doubled in the case of increased demand,” Farag said. Most of Alshaya Enterprises’ hotel projects are slated to follow modular construction, depending on its design and related costs. “Alshaya Enterprises aims to support these modular projects with its core competencies, value engineering, design, and logistics. By doing so, the firm expects to reduce manpower on site as well as direct and indirect costs such as time and cost savings,” Farag said. Alshaya Enterprises has more than 30 offices, showrooms, and concept spaces that help bring ideas, designs, proposals, and mock-ups to life. The future is modular In terms of the future of modular buildings post-COVID-19, the company foresees that countries will increase the capability of hospitals and invest further in healthcare. Alshaya Enterprises has big plans for modular projects and aspires to join forces with big players and gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia to further accelerate its modular construction goals and efforts in the sector. Speaking to Construction Week, Farag adds: “The gigaprojects have ambitious goals and we, as Alshaya Enterprises will be able to facilitate the delivery of these by meeting key objectives, speeding up construction, and ensuring use of superior technology, lean costs, reduced time, high quality and supply. Alshaya Enterprises is focusing on all sectors in the GCC and is currently working on all building and specialised Alshaya Enterprises also covers student accommodation and residential apartments [Image: Supplied] MODULAR TECH Alshaya Enterprises acting CEO, Ehab Farag [Image: Supplied]SITE VISIT 14 CONSTRUCTION WEEK DECEMBER 2020WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City, Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa speaks with Disha Dadlani about key developments in Phase 1 of the mixed-use project, which will see overall completion by 2024 Carter Associates’ refurbishment work for Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai. Rooms were sequenced to minimise impact on operation and revenue. [image: Supplied] Sharjah Sustainable City, which is set to become the jewel in the crown of the emirate’s sustainable landscape, is making noteworthy progress, Construction Week learnt during a recent site visit. The $544.5m (AED2bn) destination, which is being developed by Diamond Developers and under the umbrella of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has marked “35% construction completion on Phase 1 of the project,” Sharjah Sustainable City’s chief executive officer, Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa shared during the visit. “In addition, the site has recorded approximately 880,000 safe man hours till date, as shared by our project contractor.” Key developments in Phase 1 Construction on the first set of residential villas at the destination has marked completion, with landscaping slated for completion by the end of 2020. Construction on these residential villas is integral to Phase 1 of the project; out of the 1,120 residential units due to be built, Phase 1 will include the construction of 280 villas. The villas will feature three, four, and five bedrooms, once complete. Solar-powered destination The entire site will be powered by clean energy supplied by Dubai- based solar energy contractor City Solar, in alignment with Sharjah Sustainable City’s net-zero energy objective. This includes a rooftop solar PV system for renewable energy production. The rooftop solar PV system boasts a capacity of 10kWp; 45kWh daily production; 16,000kWh annual production; and results in 6.7tCO2eq (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) annual avoided emissions. Residential villas at the site Sharjah Sustainable City is working in conjunction with several suppliers to accelerate work on the residential units. These are a mix of local and international companies. The residential units are equipped with efficient window system and aluminium sections, as part of its thermal energy strategy, serviced by Saint Gobain and Alumil. The window system and aluminium section are proven 24% SHARJAH SUSTAINABLE CITY: PHASE 1 MAKES PROGRESS Phase 1 of Sharjah Sustainable City marks 35% construction completion [Image: Ajith Narendra | ITP]SITE VISIT WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COMDECEMBER 2020 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 15 more resistant to heat compared to the standard, reducing cooling loads and electricity consumption. In addition, the villas have been built using thermally-insulated precast wall panels manufactured by Beaver Gulf. The construction method reduces waste by up to 12%; thermally-insulated walls are 54% more resistant to heat compared to the standard. RAKNOR has worked on pavers outside the villas, to reduce thermal discomfort during summer months, and to allow rainwater to seep through the surface during winter. Boasting an efficient and sustainable HVAC system, villas at the Sharjah Sustainable City are fitted with variable refrigerant flow air-conditioning, which is flexible and modular in design, and ensures higher energy efficiency ratio and lower energy consumption. These villas are equipped with indoor LED lighting by Italy-based La Luce. All villas bear a total load provision for lighting at a range of 530W – 1040W. In addition, smart home automation in the villas are based on motion and occupancy sensors or presence detectors. Displaying water efficiency, the villas are equipped with water- saving fixtures and devices by bathroom and kitchen fittings specialist, Germany-based Kludi. RAK Ceramics is working on ensuring durable indoor flooring and tiling for all villas within the site. To ensure sustainability in the process, 100% of wastewater is recycled and 80% of rejected in- process materials and waste sludge are recycled and reused. Response to COVID-19 Early this year, Sharjah Sustainable City implemented and adhered to social distancing guidelines on site, to curb the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring that work progresses on- schedule. As part of Sharjah Sustainable City’s efforts, construction workers on-site were provided with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), in addition to existing safety gear. “We are mindful of the challenges posed by COVID-19. We are adhering to the guidelines put forward by UAE’s leaders and federal authorities, as well as Sharjah’s government authorities. Our primary goal is the health and well-being of our construction workers, engineering, and sales and administration members,” Al- Mutawa said at the time. Current project status Once complete, the $54m (AED2bn) mixed-use project will feature 1,120 energy-efficient homes, a sustainable school, community mall, a green central belt that features indoor farms, health clubs, swimming pools, jogging cycling tracks, a utility park and a green mosque. The project is strategically located in Sharjah’s Al Rahmaniya community. Speaking to Construction Week, Al-Mutawa said: “Sharjah Sustainable City is on-track; overall completion will be achieved by 2024, with the timeline being pushed only by two months due to the pandemic.” Supporting electric mobility Apart from sustainability, Sharjah Sustainable City also has its eyes fixated on tech solutions, with a goal to build a ‘smart’ destination. This will be put in place through the adoption and use of electric vehicles at the site. A sustainability-first approach Through its efforts, Sharjah Sustainable City is furthering three pillars of sustainability. These include social sustainability elements such as amenities and community outreach programs; environmental sustainability, through passive and active design strategies; and economic sustainability, through operational efficiencies and consistent savings, up to 50% on electricity and water bills. Construction on the rst set of residential villas is complete [Image: Ajith Narendra | ITP] Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City [Image: Ajith Narendra | ITP]16 CONSTRUCTION WEEK DECEMBER 2020WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM THE BIG PICTURE FOLLOW CONSTRUCTION WEEK @CWMIDDLEEASTCONSTRUCTION WORK ON OMAN’S DUQM REFINERY IS 72% COMPLETE, WITH THE PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN Q1 2022 72% DECEMBER 2020 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 17 WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM THE BIG PICTURE Oman-based contracting heavyweight, Douglas OHI is working on the Duqm Re nery project and is delivering the process units at the development, with the scope including the civil and underground piping to support the installation of equipment, piperacks, and specialist structures and networks across packages 1 and 2. [Image: Supplied]EXPO EXCLUSIVE 18 CONSTRUCTION WEEK DECEMBER 2020WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM In a conversation with Ranju Warrier, commissioner-general of Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Albert Croesi, reveals the idea behind the pavilion’s design & theme; building an eco-friendly structure; and responding to challenges caused by COVID-19 KALEIDOSCOPE-INSPIRED “ROCK” OF MONACO The Monaco Pavilion will be located within Expo 2020 Dubai’s Opportunity District [image: Supplied] In October 2021, the world will come together to be a part of the Expo 2020 Dubai, the first to be held in the Middle East and North Africa & South Asia (MENA & SA) region. More than 192 participating countries will showcase their uniqueness under three themes, Mobility, Opportunity, and Sustainability. One such country, which aims to “surprise and fascinate” the world with its pavilion is Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. Construction Week speaks to Albert Croesi, the commissioner-general of Monaco Pavilion, who takes us through the journey from idea to design, as well as the construction of the pavilion. The pavilion is based on the theme: ‘Monaco 360° – a World of Opportunities’ and located within the Opportunity District. According to Croesi, the pavilion is inspired by a kaleidoscope resembling the ‘Rock of Monaco’, — a 62m-tall monolith on the Mediterranean coast and is a “gem-like, polygonal structure”. Talking about its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai and what it aims to showcase at the global event, Croesi says: “All the countries will have the same objectives after this crisis: underline that we have overcome the situation.” “Monaco is looking forward to showcasing its ecological footprint, technology towards education, construction, science, and its cultural spirit. We want to make a key contribution to the Opportunity thematic district where we share the Monegasque savoir-faire and life skills, how we found the balance between human and technological development while respecting the eco-system.” Croesi adds: “We will plunge the world into a digital and sensorial tour and show the multiple facets of our country.” These facets include its characteristics, its professions, its actions, its multiple perspectives, and its diversity. Highlighting the theme and design of the pavilion, the commissioner-general says: “The main and polygonal shape of the pavilion with the prominent use of photovoltaic panels evokes the eco- friendly governance of Monaco and the steps we have taken to protect the environment. “We are committed to designing a pavilion with a balance of production and consumption of electricity close to zero. Our second priority is to build a pavilion that aims for the majority of its used materials to be recycled.” Tendering to construction & beyond Monaco confirmed its participation in the World Expo on 21 December 2017. Following which, the call for proposal was announced on 1 February 2018. Later on 3 April, Monaco called for the submission of tenders for the pavilion. According to Croesi, on 26 October the contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Monagesque company AODA and Cologne-based facts and fiction, which is also working on the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. AODA and facts and fiction is working with OOS architects on the concept. The architect of record Inspired by a kaleidoscope resembling the ‘Rock of Monaco’, the pavilion is a gem-like, polygonal structure. [image: Supplied] EXPO EXCLUSIVE DECEMBER 2020 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 19WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM is Büro Kling Consult, with Nüssli Satal (Dubaï), being the project management firm. Construction work is being carried out by Al Ahmadiah Contracting with VR Technical as the MEP contractor. The ground on the pavilion was broken on 16 October 2019, marking the beginning of the construction phase of the pavilion. In August 2020, Monaco announced that the external structure of the pavilion was nearing completion. As of 2 November, construction progress hit 87% at the pavilion. Croesi stresses that the contractor aims to acquire the building completion certificate (BCC) by mid- December 2020. Upon the completion of the core and shell, the pavilion will be closed, tempered, and kept under surveillance until it reopens at the end of May 2021 for the remaining work. The interior scenography, the various elements making up the visiting stations, the wastewater treatment system, and the air compressor will be delivered and installed from June next year. The commissioner-general adds that the internal fit-out and scenography works are expected to be completed by 1 September 2021. Response to COVID-19 and well-being Monaco’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai and the construction of its pavilion are being financed by the Monaco Government. Croesi explains that the overall budget is estimated at $13m (EUR11m). “An additional cost was voted by the government in summer 2020, which was essential to support the cost of the one-year delay and hibernation. All countries have to face additional costs in the maintenance and workforce of the pavilion,” notes Croesi. Talking about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the construction of the pavilion, the commissioner-general says: “Construction process slowed down for about three months due to site access restrictions and questions about the postponement. Some equipment deliveries have been delayed too. Since June 2020, construction pace has resumed back to normal.” “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, construction has continued on site. The organisers have set up testing facilities on site that are open 24/7, and are operated by doctors, nurses, and trained volunteers. They also undergo full sanitisation twice a day across the whole site, as well as workers’ accommodation,” adds Croesi. Man, machine, and materials Located on a plot area of 1,700m2, the Monaco Pavilion has a built-up area of 1,200m2, with 12m height. The pavilion’s structure is divided into the ground floor, first floor, and rooftop with 122m2 of the solar panel area. At the peak of construction activities, a total of 90 workers were deployed at the site. The construction team has recorded 134,788 man-hours of work to-date at the pavilion. In terms of technology, a start up incubated in Monaco, Firmus Grey Water Recycling System (FGWRS), will help recycle domestic waters. Croesi confirms that none of the materials used for the construction of the pavilion have been sourced from Monaco. “Kromatix glass of the PV panels have been manufactured in Switzerland and shipped to Dubai to be assembled with PV cells and electrical components by Emirates Insolaire. “The goal of the solar panels will be to support the electrical consumption of our pavilion as much as possible from October 2021 to the end of March 2022. The one-year delay will allow us to connect the panels starting from December 2020 and produce more energy than we had planned at first (around 17 months),” adds Croesi. The Monaco Pavilion will feature 74 standard rooftop panels of 330Wp covering 120m2 and 100 vertical Kromatrix panels of 270Wp each covering 165m2 out of the total crystal area of 396m2. Overall, 80% of the pavilion is reusable or recyclable. Upon the closing of the expo on 31 March 2022, the panels will be dismantled and donated to “a project still to be determined”. The legacy of Expo 2020 will remain as District 2020, an integrated community, with many of the developments being retained from the World Expo. The Monaco Pavilion is not a legacy building,” Croesi concludes. Albert Croesi, commissioner-general, Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai [Image: Supplied]Next >