Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Triple bottom line project management

'Triple Bottom Line' is a term being embraced on a global scale by savvy corporate companies and government agencies that have recognised that financial outcomes are no longer the sole catalyst to successful project management.

Societies around the world are now demanding sustainable practices that include environmental and social elements. Combined with economic demands, projects are now being measured against this triple bottom line concept.

On 9-10 May 2001, the City of Mandurah and ArtSource - the Artists Agency of Western Australia, will host a conference titled, 'INTERFACE SOLUTIONS &endash; connecting project teams with artists to achieve the triple bottom line'.

Jenny Wright, Executive Director of ArtSource's parent body the Artists Foundation of WA, said that professional artists were fast becoming significant members of project teams, offering a new dimension when designing to accommodate the social impact of projects on communities and consumers.

"Combining technical skills with design expertise is a powerful fusion when developing human interface solutions," she said.

"This thought process is cutting edge at the moment, but through international acceptance will soon become an integral part of all project management processes."

The conference is the second in a series designed by the City of Mandurah and ArtSource WA. It will feature international guest speaker Bruce Henning, who is representing the Phoenix Solid Waste Management Facility.

The Phoenix project has obtained worldwide recognition for its use of artists on project teams. It is a case study that offers clear examples of how the sustainable practice of integrating environmental, social and economic elements is measurable against successful outcomes.

While large corporate projects attract professional interest, closer to the average consumer and community member are the design elements incorporated into building design, construction projects, planning and development projects, tourism attractions, multi media outlets, equipment needs, art projects and leisure programs.

Artists on project teams make a big impact on daily practices and economic returns. This will be demonstrated in the conference program through a range of top speakers and site tours. The collaboration of a diverse range of case studies, site tours and workshops will complete this exciting and motivating conference event. The program and content will provide you with the edge to prepare your project to be measured on the triple bottom line.

If you are an engineer, project manager, architect, a CEO or officer of State or Local Government, town planner, urban designer, landscape architect, economic planner, strategic planner, arts officer, tourism officer, artist, designer, multi media professional or student, you cannot afford to ignore this worldwide trend.

A detailed program and registration information will be available in January 2001.

To receive a copy of the full conference program, visit the website at www.mandurah.wa.gov.au, or contacting the Conference Coordinator, Goode Connections on (08) 9535 2876.

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