Complex research buildings pose special problems. The end users do not always fully understand how their needs should be reflected in a finished building. Getting the right building outcome then relies on the experience and ability to listen across the entire design and construction team.

The project management of such projects hinges around good 'listening', with inspired leadership to ensure appropriate discipline throughout each phase.

Controlling costs requires a similar approach but needs to draw upon experience from other projects, to properly inform early scope and quality decisions. The traditional rigour applied to building works should also be applied to engineering services, as research buildings are heavily serviced.  Control of bricks and mortar without control of engineering services will put the project at risk.