Discussion on Papers 13–15

A. LEGGATT, CEDICr Farnham

In considering the future, it is helpful to state the basic elements of what we are doing. My reading of the elements of a construction project is as follows

Primary aim: The formulation and execution of a solution to a technical challenge.

Secondary aim: The use of an appropriate contractual and commercial framework to enable the technical solution to be completed expeditiously.

You may wish to use different wording, but I am sure you will agree that the aim of construction is to construct!

The subject matter of this conference has been entirely concerned with the secondary aim as stated above: this is not to say that the conference lacks importance, but in framing future secondary procedures we must bear in mind that their purpose is to facilitate the accomplishment of successful construction. Engineers and others engaged on the primary aim are not usually bothered with frontiers. Technical solutions do not vary much from one country to another. It is in the secondary operations that the barriers are found; in breaking down those barriers we must take care not to infringe the freedom of action found in the primary field.