Catalog

Headquarters Building Undergoes Renovation
ADB Review [ November 2004 ]

By Cathy Reyes-Angus creyesangus@adb.org
Associate Internal Communications Coordinator

In April 2004, the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the rehabilitation plans of the headquarters (HQ) building, also known as the Special Capital Budget Projects (SCBP). There are three major subprojects: security and access, rehabilitation of the building facilities, and space planning and optimization.

IN THE WORKS OAS Principal Director Bob Dawson and the project team explain how the SCBP will enhance ADB’s workplace

“It’s high time to enhance ADB’s safety and efficiency, and bring the building in the 21st century,” says Robert Dawson, Principal Director of the Office of Administrative Services (OAS).

Designed in the late 1980s, the ADB headquarters was considered a model of energy efficiency and environmental compliance. Today, it remains relatively efficient, but the building is aging.

Mr. Dawson also emphasizes how SCBP reflects ADB’s commitment to its host country, the Philippines.

“ADB considers the Philippines as its home.’ Hence, it strongly and continuously supports its development by investing in the country,” he says.

Ken Chee, Director of OAS, Facilities and Asset Management Division, explains how these projects aim to ensure the safety and security of its community and its staff, two thirds of which are Filipinos.

“ADB is moving to modernize our facilities while ensuring the security of its staff,” says Mr. Chee.

At a special town hall meeting on 29 October 2004 about the planned renovation of HQ, Mr. Dawson and the project team presented how the SCBP, will create a healthier, safer, and more work-conducive environment. They also addressed the issues and queries raised by staff.

“The work will tackle security, rehabilitation of facilities, and space planning. Once the projects start, we may experience minor inconvenience. So, we need the staff’s support and cooperation to make our workplace work better for us,” adds Sunil Mitra, SCBP Senior Project Manager.

The efforts will kick off this December, starting with the installation of shatter-resistant films (SRFs). All windows and internal areas with large glass panels will be protected with SRFs. Designed to make glass shatter-proof, SRFs provide safety shield by holding together fragments of broken glass.

The enhanced security and access control subproject is targeted for completion in September 2005, while the two other subprojects are expected to be finished in 2008.

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