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 utilizes complexity science, and the practical application of complexity theories, to holistically evaluate the development of a unique major sporting stadium, known as AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia. The authors assess this project’s complexity and rank it on a complexity scale to illustrate the level of knowledge and expertise required to deliver such projects. AAMI Park’s most dominant and complex feature, the bio-frame roof, which was innovative at the time, posed unique challenges, and therefore, authors also evaluate the constraints and specific project delivery methods developed to best manage its complications. Since the adaptive management approach was used for this project, this paper assesses 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.