Case Study: Why Mega Projects Need Better Visual Documentation—And Why It’s a Missed Opportunity

The True Measure of a Mega Project

Mega-scale infrastructure projects are often judged by their impact on society—how they change lives, adapt to their surroundings, and improve the way people live and work. Yet, despite their transformative power, many of these projects fail to document their journey and impact effectively. In an era where digital media dominates how we perceive progress, the lack of proper visual documentation is a missed opportunity. From iconic bridges to urban renewal projects, history remembers those that are well-documented, while others fade into obscurity.

The Overlooked Value of Documentation

Visual documentation—whether through photography or videography—is often dismissed as an unnecessary expense. Contractors and architects focus on budgets, timelines, and technical execution, often underestimating the storytelling value of capturing these projects over time. This perspective, however, is short-sighted. When done right, visual documentation is more than just a collection of images; it is a powerful tool that communicates a project’s social, historical, and commercial significance.

TNB Monopole overlap with Penang Bridge, notice the betel nut inspired design towards the middle.

The Case of the RM500mil TNB Monopole Project in Penang

A recent experience with the TNB monopole project serves as a prime example of this oversight. Having previously worked on a personal project that highlighted the visual significance of such infrastructure, I was approached to provide a proposal for capturing its final structural form within Penang's urban context. Despite offering flexible options tailored to various budget levels, the response was that they would not proceed with the proposal.

This highlights a common issue: even for projects with substantial financial backing, visual storytelling and the need for mega project to have visual documentation is often seen as a dispensable expense rather than an essential component of the project lifecycle. Even with ample visual evidence from my personal project demonstrating its impact, it was still not seen as a priority. The irony is that the cost of documentation is minuscule compared to the overall project budget, yet its potential value in public engagement, historical archiving, and corporate branding is immense.

TNB Monopole with boats parked on the pier

Beyond Numbers: The Power of Storytelling and Why Mega Project Needs Documentation

Mega projects reshape cities, influence economies, and redefine infrastructure, but their true impact is often invisible in spreadsheets and reports. The human stories behind these projects—the communities affected, the problem-solving efforts, and the engineering ingenuity—can only be effectively conveyed through compelling visuals.

When properly documented, these stories serve multiple purposes:

• Public Awareness & Engagement: Visual storytelling creates a lasting narrative that enhances public appreciation and understanding of the project’s significance.

• Corporate & Branding Value: Well-documented projects strengthen the reputations of the companies involved, showcasing their expertise and contributions to society.

• Historical Preservation: Future generations benefit from seeing how infrastructure evolved and adapted over time, providing insights into past urban development decisions.

TNB Monopole during construction

A Shift in Perspective: From Expense to Investment

The reluctance to allocate a budget for documentation stems from a traditional mindset that prioritizes measurable returns. However, forward-thinking companies need to recognize that a well-documented visual drive engagement, shapes public perception, and provides long-term brand equity.

A structured documentation approach doesn’t have to be costly. Simple strategies like periodic photography updates, short video clips of key milestones, and time-lapse progress videos can be integrated into existing workflows with minimal disruption. The key is to maintain a clear vision of the project's broader impact and plan accordingly.

TNB Monopole during pre-dawn hours

Opening the Conversation

The question remains: Isn't it time for companies to treat visual storytelling as a necessity rather than an afterthought? As industries evolve and competition for recognition intensifies, those who invest in capturing the full story of their projects will stand out.

What do you think? Should companies reconsider the role of visual storytelling in their projects? Let’s start the discussion.