Prime construction contractor for the Princess Máxima Rob van Neck
Construction of the Princess Máxima Center was finished in mid-2018, in June 2018 there was a festive opening of the center. This interview was part of the campagne 'wij maken jouw wereld van morgen' in 2017 and 2018.
How does your work help to shape the world of tomorrow?
As prime contractor for the construction of the Princess Máxima Center, my task is to facilitate the realisation of the schedule, once we’ve all agreed upon it. By acting as a hub between a wide variety of construction specialists, my team and I can ensure that we deliver this project as efficiently as possible, within the term established and at a high level of quality. So that starting in mid-2018, children will be able to come here and receive the best possible care. By concentrating healthcare, research and training in a single location, we can boost the survival rate of children with cancer to over 90%. That is the principle behind the care the Princess Máxima Center will offer in the near future.
In terms of the work itself, my job is no different whether we are erecting a building on an industrial lot or building a hospital – still, I feel particular affinity with the construction of the Princess Máxima Centre. Watching children suffer is the worst thing in the world. That’s why, for me, working on this construction project feels different. It’s a special experience and I am honoured to have the opportunity to be involved.
What does your work contribute to society? How does it impact me?
For the children who will soon be visiting this hospital, I think it’s nice that parent-child rooms are being built. This means that there’s a separate room for the parents next to the sick child’s room. That way, they can be close together, even at night. Eighty-five of these parent-child rooms have been planned. In the Princess Máxima Center, every aspect of the planning is geared towards children. One example is the way the medical equipment will be integrated; it’s concealed so that the child can’t see the device itself or hear any beeping noises. Another is that the building will feature slides and playground equipment.
My role is to provide structure to all the people and organisations involved in the realisation of this construction project – through coaching and promoting awareness, for example. It’s hard for me to imagine a more eclectic job than this one. I work together with all kinds of people, from client to carpenter. What I really like is making sure we achieve our common goal, in spite of our significant differences. I take a great deal of satisfaction in that.
What is your dream? What do you want to achieve in the next 5–10 years?
My personal career goal is to develop my skills in the direction of operational management. Then, in addition to coaching individuals, I can make a difference at the company-wide level as well. I like to keep abreast of new technological developments that will allow us to build faster in the future. There’s a lot happening in the area of sustainable construction as well. The Princess Máxima Center strives to be an energy-neutral building project, meaning it will be self-sufficient. The best-case scenario is that, five to ten years from now, all buildings will be energy-neutral. While the pace of developments continues to increase, I don’t expect to see all buildings worldwide become energy-neutral for another fifty years or so. I’d like to do my part to make that happen.
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