Criteria
Scale, feasibility, complexity, innovation and impact on society...
These five objective elements are the core of the criteria used to shape the Infrastructure100.
With the help of specialists and professionals from around the world, IJ and KPMG
compiled this list through months of research and debate. The end result is a subjective
reflection of culture, politics, economics and insight from some of the best minds
in architecture, engineering, construction, finance, law, public policy and academia.
This list reveals compelling trends, brilliant design and essential industrial development.
I am proud of the diversity reflected here. We imagined the Infrastructure100 to
have wide geographical and technological representation with inspirational projects
at various stages of development. Our judges delivered just that.
To compile the one hundred, we reached beyond our readership and networks to draw
in hundreds of exceptional nominations from people who share a passion for infrastructure.
With careful consideration, IJ weighed the merits of each nomination and selected
a diverse shortlist to present to our regional judging panels.
It was a daunting and unenviable task. We intentionally asked judges to weigh and
debate projects that in many ways cannot be compared like for like. The shortlists
often included small, but significant, projects up against widely-publicised megaprojects.
These choices were not easy.
Within each sector, judges were asked to measure projects based on our simple criteria
points. Which will have a greater impact on society? Subjective responses often
depended on one’s definition of ‘impact’, the location of the project, and the demands
of the society it will serve.
Ultimately a final conclusion had to be made and the winners emerged, some with
caveats.
Several countries are well represented here – notably the UK and some Middle Eastern
Gulf States. Was there a Sterling or Petro-dollar bias? We hope not. If anything,
the number of selected projects from these locations emphasizes the strong need
for better infrastructure in these locations. It’s also a nod to the quality and
ambition of the projects currently under development there. We hope that what you
find in our 2010 publication is a unique snapshot of the world’s best infrastructure.
In a sense, these projects provide a vision for the future, and reflect the ongoing
evolution of our global society.
John Kjorstad
Head of Research & Analysis
Infrastructure Journal