Golf Course Architecture - Issue 61, July 2020

61 of the pandemic. We have been spending a great deal of time on site lately as the course is nearly finished with rough shaping, but without the diligence of our construction team and the implementation of these new technologies the construction progress and schedule might have been significantly affected.” Jeff Danner of Greg Norman Golf Course Design echoes that sentiment: “Any architect will tell you, there is no substitute for frequent visits all throughout construction.” The Norman firm has a number of projects in construction in Asia, including two 36-hole layouts in Vietnam and a project near Osaka, Japan. “The contractor has been instrumental in achieving our design intent without our being able to jump on a plane,” says Danner. “It has undoubtedly, been an adjustment for us. We have been working from home and under a company-policy no-fly protocol since early March. With many of our projects located in different parts of the world, and Asia especially, we have had to get creative and figure out how to adapt while minimising our risk of exposure. “Our hands-on approach and on-site presence have always been one of our keys to success. Luckily, we have a strong team in Asia on the ground, helping to oversee our projects and ensure things are being implemented the way we like. “Now more than ever, drawings are playing an important role,” continues Danner. “I’m not just talking about your typical grading or drainage plans. Perspective, hand- drawn sketches over dirt photos, and quick annotated diagrams have played a significant role in conveying adjustments we would typically make on-site during one of our visits.” Photography, drone footage and video conferencing has allowed Danner to keep updated with progress and provide any feedback or direction to the construction team. “My typical day might start with a video walkthrough, followed by carefully reviewing drone footage or Workers on Greg Norman’s firm’s projects in Asia have used photography, drone footage and video conferencing to communicate with architects whose ability to travel has been limited “We deployed drones to our shapers and construction team so that we can get daily and sometimes real-time updates”