When a German state parliament wants a new building with architecture based on the historic original but an interior specification that sets new benchmarks in terms of functionality, technology and sustainability, then it is clear that project and program management will be anything but standard.
Ultimately, the meticulous PPP contract model, fastidious schedule and cost management, careful tender and contract management, and close monitoring of quality and quantities made the project a success.
In its "old" new building, the state parliament now has an impressive place of work that is designed for maximum functionality and efficiency in use — all achieved within the projected schedule and budget. Citizens of and visitors to the state capital of Potsdam have gained an architectural masterpiece that is admired far beyond state boundaries.
By the end of the 20th century, the temporary home of the Brandenburg state parliament no longer met the technical or functional requirements of a modern government institution. Political decision-makers and citizens voted to construct a new building on the site of the historic Potsdam City Palace. The palace was burned down by British forces during a major air attack in April 1945; the ruins were later dismantled. The materials and design of the exterior facades for the new state parliament building needed to match its historic predecessor. The decision-makers showed great willingness to enter into an innovative public-private partnership: The new Brandenburg state parliament was planned, constructed and financed entirely under a PPP contract and will be operated by private sector partners for a period of 30 years.
The objectives were ambitious: functional perfection, intelligent building technology, energy efficiency, highly economical and adherence to all construction and handover deadlines. If an investment on this scale and of this level of complexity is to be handed over to the client on time and within budget, it is essential that all planning, processes, tenders, awards, contracts, work and coordination processes are intelligently structured, managed and monitored. In the realization of the Brandenburg state parliament building, Arcadis proved that years of expertise in project management, combined with a wealth of experience with the specific needs of public sector clients, are what makes the difference.
Barely three years after the groundbreaking ceremony, the new parliament building was handed over to its users. Members of the parliament, visitors and guests now benefit from cutting-edge building technology and a design and room layout that is consistently oriented towards the needs of users. The city of Potsdam's old market square has a new lease of life and the entire region has gained another iconic piece of architecture. Thanks to the professional management of the project, the work was completed on budget and within the planned time frame.
PROJECT STORY
