Architect Landseer Collen on why complex projects need simpler thinking
Architect Landseer Collen argues that the primary challenge in complex construction projects is managing human relationships and decision-making rather than technical engineering. He suggests that over-complicating processes often leads to a loss of clarity and project failure.
Why it matters
Understanding the human element of project management is essential for improving efficiency and success rates in large-scale infrastructure developments.
Large construction and development projects do not necessarily become easier to manage as more expertise, systems and stakeholders are brought into the process.
In many cases, the opposite can happen, with layers of decision-making and competing priorities creating new obstacles.
Landseer Collen, who is the Principal at BPAS Architects, argues that the real challenge on complex projects is often less about whether a technical problem can be solved and more about how effectively people, decisions and expectations are coordinated.
‘Complexity rarely comes from one factor alone,’ Collen says.
‘Technical design can be challenging, but projects become truly complex when multiple stakeholder interests, commercial pressures and layered decision-making structures interact.’
Major developments can involve architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, developers, municipalities and end users, each bringing different requirements to the table. Add commercial deadlines, budgets and changing expectations, and even well-planned projects can become difficult to steer.
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