Finalist
		Category: Projects under £4m Name: John Gothard Company: Crispin & Borst Project: Gorilla Kingdom , London Zoo Contract: JCT 1998 without quantities, with contractor's design

By the time John Gothard handed over this project in time for its fixed-months-in-advance royal opening, he had convinced a dubious client that its grim perception of contractors as no better than a necessary evil, in this case at least, was wrong.

Much to its amazement, the zoo found its expectations of having to oversee and even complete works confounded. A paragon of diplomacy, tact and respect, John demonstrated the highest level of understanding of the aims of the increasingly appreciative client. He ensured that the frequent sponsor and press trips to the construction site ran smoothly – an enormous benefit for the zoo, which wanted to maximise the PR impact of its highest-profile exhibit for many years.

But the ability to build long-standing relationships based on mutual trust and respect was only the half of it. John was also able to listen to and develop the client's complex design ideas, translating them into practical solutions. With drawings not always reflecting an achievable reality, he got agreement on design details by drawing users into discussion with the professional team.

To achieve the programme, John appointed key suppliers almost from the day he took possession of the site. With their help, he adopted an innovative and flexible response to problems.

To overcome the logistical and programme issues presented by the gorilla boardwalk, John replaced the factory-made trusses with cut and pitch rafters. He used his own direct labour to carry out work rather than subcontractors. And he cut the cost to the client of the structural glass by employing a known subcontractor and reprogramming the installation.

John anticipated well the potential problems that could arise on this unusual project. For example, he personally oversaw the testing and tweaking of the locking mechanisms on the sliding doors to the gorilla cages. With gorillas having the strength of 20 men and any locking defects rather tricky to remedy, it's not something any project could afford to get wrong.

^top

See all the sponsors