Sustainable design and contracting revenue dips, while healthy building standards help projects turn over a new leaf.

From smart cities to bridges, these five projects highlight work being performed on the continent by firms that ranked on ENR's top international lists this year.

The global construction market is red hot for some firms and stone cold for others as contractors deal with unpredictable project risks while readying for new growth opportunities.

In French, “mise en place” is a culinary term referring to having ingredients prepped and cooking tools accessible that can take chefs to a place of cognitive calm before preparing a meal. Similarly, when a building is intentionally designed, elements of a building can have a positive effect on the mental health and well-being of the occupants, according to research  conducted by the International WELL Building Institute.

Addressing weaknesses laid bare by COVID-19, infrastructure projects are poised to drive world economies back to pre-pandemic positions with a simple mantra to build back better. As global design firms restructure operations, projects also are being reconfigured to fit a continental shift in client priorities.

As Bechtel focuses on shrinking its cost structure, another company rises to lead the 2021 top U.S. contractors ranking, for the first time in 20 years.

The design market has seen its share of ups and down in the last five years. Likewise, the Top 500 Design Firms list has seen players rise and fall.