Coincidence? Not according to Chairman of the Board, Gerrit Witzel. “We have adopted a structured approach to innovation, encouraging our workforce to submit plans. We also have a special budget for such projects.”
Two weeks ago, for instance, Strukton launched the Amfora plan, for a network of tunnels and multi-storey car parks, shops, cinemas and sports facilities, during a major international conference on underground construction held in Amsterdam. Mr Witzel admitted that it was not a coincidence, although he did swear that the concept was conceived before the conference was organised. However, the idea of presenting the plan at this event, which was to be attended by much of the world’s major underground construction fraternity, was pretty much developed during the past year. It proved successful, too. “We gained a great deal of publicity thanks to the event, but perhaps the best thing about it was that it put our country firmly on the map. The Netherlands has finally come up with another daring plan. We received quite substantial interest from abroad, but also from within the Netherlands itself. Even Utrecht expressed its interest,” Mr Witzel told us, at the Strukton headquarters on the banks of the Amsterdam-Rhine canal.
Although this construction company based in Utrecht is naturally keen to create its own projects, present plans and proceed to execute them, this is not the most important aspect according to Mr Witzel. “Such projects,” he continued, “contribute to our image as an innovator, also among universities. That makes it easier for us to attract both trainees and graduates. And this helps to bolster our own team’s creativity and keep them on their toes. It is good to challenge one’s workforce.”
The concepts for both the Hoge Weg or “High Road” over the Overvecht district and Amfora, the city beneath Amsterdam, were devised by dedicated Strukton employees.
In Amsterdam, for instance, Strukton’s Bas Obladen was closely involved in the construction of the capital’s North-South metro line, when he came up with the idea of an underground city. The wonderful thing about the concept, in Mr Witzel’s opinion, is that the project could be built beneath the canals, thus relieving the existing city of any burden as a result of the work being performed. The supply and removal of building and waste materials could be carried out by waterborne transport. However, the boats currently moored there would have to be relocated for about a year. Another major advantage of Amfora, in Mr Witzel’s view, is that it could easily be built in stages. He is therefore in favour of launching a pilot project, for example, at one of the locations where the urban district authority is studying the possibilities of constructing multi-storey car parks.
Whether Strukton will actually ever be permitted to build a subterranean Amsterdam or its High Road, is not solely dependent on the choices made by the municipalities of Amsterdam and Utrecht, but above all on the tendering process. There is, after all, a risk of a third party being awarded the contract if it proves capable of executing the project at lower costs. “However, we do have the edge in terms of knowledge. And although this is not a guarantee of success, it is a solid point of departure.”
Source: AD/ Utrechts Nieuwsblad
Author: Roeland Franck