Intricacies of mega and complex projects: a survey of AAMI Park, Australia

Abstract

Complexity science brings together differing paradigms and thoughts. It has attracted academic interest as a means of understanding complex social and technological phenomena. The emergence of increasingly complex building design, construction and technologies is posing numerous challenges for professionals. This paper utilises complexity science, and the practical application of complexity theories, to evaluate holistically the development of a unique major sporting stadium, known as AAMI Park, in Melbourne, Australia. The authors assess the complexity of this project and rank it on a complexity scale to illustrate the level of knowledge and expertise required to deliver such projects. The most dominant and complex feature of AAMI Park, the bio-frame roof, which was innovative at the time, posed unique challenges. Therefore, the authors also evaluate the constraints and specific project delivery methods developed to manage best its complications. Since the adaptive management approach was used for this project, this paper assessed this approach to recommend enhanced delivery methodologies for similar future projects. Further, since the design of this project was the first of a kind, the authors seek to identify the level of project complexity and its success through the lens of complexity theory.