Collaboration: A Key Element in Future Proof Realization of Complex Projects-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation describes Antwerp’s effort to transform a heavily trafficked ring road into infrastructure that supports both mobility and urban wellbeing. Antwerp is a major European transport hub, but its road network is not equipped for the volume of traffic, and the highway cuts through the city like a fault line.<br /><br />The project evolved from a conventional infrastructure solution into “infra for good,” intended to improve health, nature, mobility and neighbourhood viability. Plans include around 400 acres of new green space, reconnecting neighbourhoods, creating parks and ecoducts, removing concrete between nature reserves, and improving water quality.<br /><br />The project is technically complex, high-risk and involves many partners and interfaces over a long delivery period. The presentation argues that traditional contracting—where design, tendering and construction are separated, costs are less transparent, and contracts may not guide day-to-day management—is not adequate for this challenge.<br /><br />As an alternative, the project is using NEC4 ECC Option C, a target-cost contract and a pilot for collaborative contracting and integrated project delivery in Belgium. Its principles include mutual trust and collaboration, early contractor involvement, transparent open-book accounting, fair and timely payment, and a balanced allocation of risk. A pain/gain mechanism shares the financial consequences of cost overruns or savings between client and contractor, encouraging cooperation and cost control throughout delivery.

Keywords

Antwerp ring road

urban infrastructure

mobility

urban wellbeing

green space

ecoducts

NEC4 ECC Option C

target-cost contract

collaborative contracting

integrated project delivery