The American AECOM Technology Corporation announced Wednesday that it has been selected as the primary consultant and program manager by the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Housing and Infrastructure Board (HIB). AECOM did not specify how much it is worth in dollars. Based on the program management responsibilities, AECOM said in a press release that would become the main advisor for the Libyan HIB for major cities throughout Libya. Following the initial phase, AECOM will work in conjunction with the HIB to implement a comprehensive housing and infrastructure Development program for Libya that will create an enhanced environment for its citizens and visitors, the release said. The HIB has indicated that the budget for these housing and infrastructure enhancement efforts is in excess of $40 billion, and will include the construction of new housing and infrastructure systems for all major cities in Libya; urban design and development; housing units and residential settlements; upgrades to existing infrastructure and utility systems; and environmentally focused sustainable processes. "This agreement with AECOM reflects the significant commitment that Libya has made to improve our national housing and infrastructure," said Abuzaid Dordah, chairman, Libyan HIB as quoted by the press release. "We have a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life for our people and the economic potential for our country through this major housing and infrastructure development initiative." "We are delighted to partner with AECOM, and its global network of expertise and resources, as we move forward in this exciting and historic period for our nation," Dordah added. According to Dordah, AECOM's duties will include reviewing designs, plans, and studies submitted to HIB; assessment and review of current and ongoing design and construction projects; preparation of master plans, detailed plans and studies for water systems, sewage systems, roads, bridges, transit systems, and traffic systems for a number of large cities; and the establishment of management and control systems for all related projects. "AECOM is honored to be selected by the Libyan Housing and Infrastructure Board for this very important program," said John M. Dionisio, AECOM president and chief executive officer. "At AECOM, we focus on enhancing and sustaining the world's built, natural and social environments. This partnership will enable us to deliver on this commitment, while improving the quality of life for the Libyan people." AECOM will also provide a comprehensive training and knowledge-sharing program for local planners, engineers, and technical staff. (Source: AECOM Technology Corporation)

A Berlin-based group of architect said it has been awarded a contract to design a sprawling new headquarters for the Libyan government in Tripoli. The firm Leon Wohlhage Wernik said that the government buildings will be spread out over 230 hectares and must be partially completed by 2009 to mark the 40th anniversary of First Al-Fateh Revolution. The project will only be fully completed in 2017, however, said Anneke Holz, a spokeswoman for the firm. It will cost between 2.5 billion and three billion euros (3.4 billion and 4.1 billion dollars). A model of the firm's winning design posted on its website shows flat-roofed ministries lining a large rectangular park dotted with palm trees. The complex has been compared by the German press to the futuristic, utopian architectural style employed in the Brazilian capital Brasilia in the 1950s by German architect Oscar Niemeyer. It will be situated between Tripoli's international airport and the capital's historical centre and will also include a mosque, a towering five-star hotel and a conference centre. Leon Wohlhage Wernik said their design for the government headquarters was chosen over those submitted by acclaimed Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and Japan's Kisho Kurokawa. The competition required a functional concept with a high level of design, as well as an architecture that inspires identity, representing both modern Libya and its tradition. The architects see the project named Tripoli Greens as an important representation of the new Libya. The firm said it tried to combine tradition and modernity in the design.