Higher Nationals Diploma in Civil Engineering

Unit-:

Assessor Name Student Name

Daw Hlaing Zar Chi Htet Mr. Kaung Ye Yint Zaw
Student ID:

Date of Submitted :
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................1

2. Construction Design Process and Information Management..............................1

2.1. Stages of the Construction Design Process.................................................1

2.1.1. Concept Design stage..........................................................................1

2.1.2. Developed design stage.......................................................................2

2.1.3. Technical design stage.........................................................................2

2.1.4. Construction stage...............................................................................2

2.2. Types of Information Required at Different Project Stages........................2

3. Examination of the Project Brief to Ascertain Project Requirements.................3

4. Relationships Between Drawings, Schedules, and Specifications......................4

5. Importance of Clash Detection and Information Coordination...........................5

6. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Design and Project Stages...................5

7. Construction Drawings and Details Using Industry-Standard Tools and

Techniques...........................................................................................................................6

8. Specifications, Schedules, and Outline Construction Health and Safety Phase

Plan 7

9. Specification Preliminaries and Schedule of Works in Coordination with

Drawings 8

10. Presenting Construction Information to Specialists and Non-Specialists.......9

11. Coordination and Information Sharing Between Project Roles and

Stakeholders.........................................................................................................................9

12. Influence of Contractual Relationships on Information Flow.......................10

13. Evaluation of the Construction Information Package....................................11

14. Conclusion.....................................................................................................12
 1. Introduction
Affordable housing is a critical issue in Myanmar due to rapid urbanisation, rural–
urban migration, limited income levels, and shortages of safe and durable residential
buildings. Many low- and middle-income families reside in poorly constructed houses
that lack proper structural safety, ventilation, and sanitation. Therefore, developing cost-
effective, climate-responsive, and locally appropriate housing solutions is essential for
sustainable national development.
This report discusses the stages of the construction design process, the types of
information required at each project stage, and the relationships between design stages
and project stages. It also examines a project brief, explains the coordination between
drawings, schedules, and specifications, and analyses the importance of information
coordination and clash detection. Furthermore, the report covers the preparation and
presentation of construction drawings, specifications, schedules, health and safety
planning, cost minimization strategies and the roles of stakeholders and contractual
relationships within Myanmar’s construction industry.

2. Construction Design Process and Information Management

2.1. Stages of the Construction Design Process
The construction design process is a systematic sequence of stages that transforms a
client’s needs into a completed and operational building. For this affordable housing
project, the design process follows recognised construction industry practice while being
adapted to the local context of Myanmar and the specific objective of cost minimisation.

2.1.1. Concept Design stage

This is the initial stage where the project vision and key objectives are established.
For this project, the main objectives are to provide a low-cost, safe, and functional single-
storey residential house suitable for middle-income families. Key decisions made at this
stage include the building type (one-storey residential), size (25 ft × 40 ft), number of
bedrooms (two), and the need for a simple and repeatable design. Sketch layouts and
basic space planning are developed to ensure efficient use of floor area with minimal
waste.

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 2.1.2. Developed design stage
At this stage, the initial concept is refined into a coordinated design. Architectural
layouts are finalised, and the structural system is developed with regularly spaced
columns and beams to reduce complexity and formwork costs. Room sizes, wall
positions, and circulation spaces are optimised to balance comfort with affordability. The
developed design ensures that the building complies with basic building regulations and
local construction practices.

2.1.3. Technical design stage

The technical design stage involves producing detailed construction information that
can be used directly on site. This includes fully dimensioned drawings, structural details,
material specifications, door and window schedules, and outline health and safety
information. For affordable housing projects, clarity and simplicity of technical
information are essential to avoid construction errors and unnecessary rework.

2.1.4. Construction stage

In the construction stage, the approved design information is implemented on site.
Contractors, supervisors, and workers rely on drawings, specifications, and schedules to
carry out the work accurately. Continuous coordination between the design team and site
team is required to address any issues that arise during construction.

2.2. Types of Information Required at Different Project Stages

Each stage of the project requires different types and levels of information. At the
concept stage, information is primarily high-level and strategic, including client
requirements, target budget, intended users, and overall project objectives. This
information guides early decision-making and sets the direction for the project.
During the feasibility stage, more detailed information is required, such as site
investigation data, land availability, access conditions, local authority requirements, and
preliminary cost estimates. In the Myanmar construction industry, understanding local
material availability and labour conditions is particularly important at this stage.

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 At the developed design stage, information becomes more technical. This includes
architectural plans, structural layouts, outline specifications, and coordination
information between different building elements. Accurate communication of this
information ensures that the design intent is clearly understood before moving to
construction.
In the technical design and construction stages, detailed drawings, specifications,
schedules, method statements, and health and safety information are essential. Clear and
well-coordinated information is critical in affordable housing projects, as limited budgets
leave little room for errors or delays.

3. Examination of the Project Brief to Ascertain Project Requirements

A project brief is a fundamental document that defines the objectives, scope,
constraints, and expectations of a construction project. Examining the project brief
carefully is essential to ensure that the proposed design meets client requirements and
aligns with wider social and economic goals. For this affordable housing project, the brief
focuses on delivering a low-cost, safe, and durable residential unit suitable for middle-
income families in Myanmar.
The primary objective identified in the brief is affordability. This requires
minimising construction costs while maintaining acceptable standards of safety,
functionality, and durability. The brief specifies a 25 ft × 40 ft single-storey residential
building with two bedrooms, which sets clear spatial and functional requirements for the
design. Limiting the building to one storey reduces structural complexity, labour
requirements, and construction risks, supporting the affordability objective.
The project scope includes architectural and basic structural design, preparation of
construction drawings, specifications, and schedules. The brief intentionally excludes
complex building services and high-end finishes to avoid unnecessary costs. This clear
definition of scope helps prevent scope creep, which is a common cause of cost overruns
in construction projects.
The target users identified in the brief are middle-income families living in or near
Hlaing Tharyar Township. This influences design decisions such as room sizes, layout
simplicity, and the use of durable, low-maintenance materials rather than luxury finishes.

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The brief also recognises constraints such as limited budget, reliance on local labour, and
the need to use locally available materials.
By examining the project brief in detail, the design team can ensure that all design
decisions directly support the project’s objectives, constraints, and user needs. This
alignment between the brief and the design proposal is essential for successful project
delivery.
4. Relationships Between Drawings, Schedules, and Specifications
Drawings, schedules, and specifications are interdependent components of
construction information, and their coordination is essential for accurate and efficient
construction. Each document plays a specific role, but together they form a complete
description of the building.
Drawings provide visual and dimensional information about the building. For this
project, drawings include floor plans, elevations, sections, and basic structural layouts.
They show the size, position, and relationship between building elements such as walls,
columns, doors, and windows. Drawings communicate the overall design intent and
spatial arrangement.
Specifications describe the quality, materials, and workmanship required. While
drawings show what is to be built, specifications explain how it is to be built. For
example, a drawing may indicate a wall thickness, but the specification defines the type
of brick, mortar mix, plaster finish, and workmanship standards. In affordable housing
projects, specifications help control costs by clearly defining acceptable materials and
construction methods.
Schedules, such as door and window schedules, list repetitive elements in a
structured format. They ensure consistency across the project and simplify procurement.
For this standardised house design, schedules reduce the risk of ordering incorrect sizes
or quantities and support efficient bulk purchasing.
If these documents are not aligned, serious problems can occur. For example,
inconsistencies between drawings and schedules can lead to incorrect material orders,
delays, and additional costs. Therefore, drawings, schedules, and specifications must be
coordinated and cross-checked to ensure accuracy, quality, and cost control.

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 5. Importance of Clash Detection and Information Coordination
Clash detection and information coordination are critical to preventing conflicts
between different building elements before construction begins. A clash occurs when two
or more components occupy the same space or when information from different drawings
is inconsistent. Even in relatively simple projects such as single-storey housing, clashes
can still arise.
In traditional construction practice, many clashes are discovered only during
construction. For example, a structural beam may conflict with a door opening, or column
positions may not align with architectural layouts. Resolving these issues on site often
results in delays, material wastage, and additional labour costs. In affordable housing
projects with limited budgets, such inefficiencies can significantly undermine
affordability.
Effective information coordination ensures that architectural, structural, and
specification information is consistent and up to date. The use of CAD and basic BIM
tools allows designers to overlay drawings and identify potential clashes during the
design stage. Early detection enables problems to be resolved when changes are less
costly and easier to implement.
For this project, good coordination between drawings, schedules, and specifications
helps ensure that the regular structural grid, room layouts, and openings are aligned. This
reduces rework, improves construction efficiency, and supports cost minimisation.
Overall, clash detection and coordinated information play a vital role in improving
quality, reducing risk, and maintaining affordability.

6. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Design and Project Stages

The relationship between design stages and project stages is central to successful
construction delivery; however, this relationship presents both strengths and challenges,
particularly in the context of affordable housing projects in Myanmar.
One key strength of this project is that major cost-related decisions are made at the
early design stages. Choices such as adopting a single-storey structure, using a regular
structural grid, and standardising the design directly reduce construction complexity
during the project execution stage. Early integration of affordability considerations

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improves cost certainty and reduces the likelihood of expensive changes later in the
project.
However, a significant limitation in practice is the potential breakdown in
information flow between design teams and construction teams. In the local construction
industry, design information is often not updated promptly when site conditions change.
For example, if actual site conditions in Hlaing Tharyar differ from initial assumptions
and this information is not communicated back to the design team, construction may
proceed based on inaccurate drawings, leading to errors and delays.
Another challenge is the limited use of advanced digital coordination tools. Many
small to medium-scale projects still rely on 2D drawings and informal communication
methods, which increases the risk of misinterpretation. While this project benefits from a
simple design, the lack of systematic information management can still affect accuracy
and efficiency.
To improve coordination, clear procedures should be established for information
sharing, including regular coordination meetings, formal drawing revisions, and
controlled document distribution. The gradual adoption of basic BIM workflows would
further enhance coordination by enabling clash detection and improving collaboration
between stakeholders.

7. Construction Drawings and Details Using Industry-Standard Tools

and Techniques
Construction drawings are a critical component of the construction design process,
as they translate design intent into clear, buildable instructions for site personnel. For this
affordable housing project, a coordinated set of construction drawings has been produced
using industry-standard 2D CAD techniques, which are widely used and well understood
in the Myanmar construction industry.
The primary drawings include a floor plan, elevations, sections, and structural layout
drawings. The floor plan clearly shows the 25 ft × 40 ft building footprint, room layouts,
wall thicknesses, door and window positions, and circulation spaces. The plan has been
designed to maximise usable space while avoiding unnecessary complexity, which
supports affordability and ease of construction.

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 Elevations and sections illustrate the vertical relationships between building
elements, including floor-to-ceiling heights, roof profile, and foundation levels. These
drawings are essential for ensuring correct construction sequencing and material
quantities. Structural drawings show the location of columns, beams, and footings
arranged in a regular and repetitive grid, which significantly reduces formwork
complexity and allows reuse of shuttering materials across multiple housing units.
Construction drawing techniques such as consistent dimensioning, standard symbols,
clear annotations, and logical layering are applied to improve clarity and reduce
misinterpretation. The use of a single standardised drawing set for the entire housing
project also reduces design repetition, administrative cost, and approval time. This
approach aligns with the affordable housing objective by minimising errors, reducing
rework, and improving construction efficiency.
8. Specifications, Schedules, and Outline Construction Health and Safety
Phase Plan
Specifications and schedules complement construction drawings by defining
material quality, workmanship standards, and component details. For this project, an
outline specification has been prepared to suit an affordable, single-storey residential
building using locally available materials and simple construction methods.
The specification covers key elements such as foundations, reinforced concrete
works, masonry walls, roofing, finishes, and basic services. Materials are selected based
on local availability in Hlaing Tharyar Township, which reduces transportation costs and
supports local suppliers. For example, commonly used local bricks, cement, and
reinforcement sizes are specified to avoid special orders and minimise procurement
delays.
Schedules, including door and window schedules, are produced to list sizes,
quantities, materials, and finishes. Standardising door and window types across all
housing units allows bulk purchasing, reduces unit costs, and simplifies installation.
Schedules also reduce the risk of discrepancies between drawings and site execution,
which is especially important in large-scale affordable housing developments.
An outline construction health and safety phase plan is also prepared as part of the
construction information package. Given the simplicity of the one-storey building, major

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risks are limited but still require management. Key health and safety considerations
include safe excavation for foundations, manual handling of materials, safe use of
formwork, and basic site housekeeping. Clear safety guidance helps protect workers and
reduces the likelihood of accidents that could delay construction or increase costs.
9. Specification Preliminaries and Schedule of Works in Coordination
with Drawings
Specification preliminaries and a schedule of works play a crucial role in
coordinating construction activities and controlling cost, time, and quality. For this
affordable housing project, the preliminaries outline general project requirements that
apply across the entire development.
Specification preliminaries include site setup arrangements, temporary works, site
access, storage areas, supervision requirements, working hours, and quality control
procedures. Because the project uses a single repeated design, preliminaries can be
standardised, significantly reducing administrative and management costs. Local labour
availability in Hlaing Tharyar Township further reduces the need for accommodation,
transport allowances, and extended site facilities.
A schedule of works has been prepared to sequence construction activities logically,
starting from site clearance and foundation works through to superstructure, roofing,
finishes, and completion. The schedule reflects the simplicity of the single-storey design
and the use of a regular structural grid, which allows predictable and repetitive
construction activities. This repetition improves productivity and enables better labour
and equipment planning.
Coordination between the schedule of works, construction drawings, and
specifications is essential. For example, structural drawings inform the sequencing of
foundation and concrete works, while specifications define curing times and
workmanship standards that affect programme duration. Efficient coordination also
supports cost-saving strategies such as bulk machinery rental, where equipment can be
scheduled for continuous use across multiple units to secure discounts and reduce idle
time.
By aligning preliminaries and the schedule of works with the construction drawings
and specifications, the project achieves better control over time, cost, and quality. This

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coordinated approach is particularly important in affordable housing projects, where even
small inefficiencies can significantly impact overall affordability.

10. Presenting Construction Information to Specialists and Non-

Specialists
Presenting construction information effectively is essential to ensure that both
specialists and non-specialists understand the project requirements and design intent. In
this affordable housing project, construction information must be communicated clearly
to a wide range of audiences, including engineers, contractors, site supervisors,
government officers, and community representatives.
For specialist audiences such as engineers and contractors, technical accuracy and
detail are critical. Construction drawings, structural layouts, specifications, schedules,
and the schedule of works provide precise information needed for pricing, planning, and
construction. These documents use industry-standard symbols, dimensions, and
terminology to avoid ambiguity. For example, the regular column and beam layout,
clearly dimensioned on drawings, allows contractors to understand formwork
requirements and plan labour efficiently.
For non-specialist audiences, such as local authorities or future occupants,
information must be simplified and presented in a more visual and explanatory manner.
Floor plans, basic elevations, and simple diagrams help explain room arrangements,
building size, and overall appearance without requiring technical knowledge. Verbal
explanations and summary documents are also useful to communicate key benefits such
as affordability, durability, and safety.
In this project, presenting information in a structured and accessible way helps build
trust among stakeholders, supports informed decision-making, and ensures that the
affordable housing objectives are clearly understood by all parties involved.

11. Coordination and Information Sharing Between Project Roles and

Stakeholders

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 Effective coordination and information sharing between different roles and
stakeholders are vital to the success of any construction project. In this affordable
housing development, multiple stakeholders are involved, each with specific
responsibilities and information needs.
The client, represented by local government authorities, sets the project objectives,
budget constraints, and affordability targets. The design team, including architects and
civil engineers, is responsible for developing drawings, specifications, and schedules that
meet these requirements. The contractor and site supervisors interpret and implement
the design information on site, while material suppliers provide construction materials
according to specifications and schedules.
Information sharing occurs throughout the project lifecycle. During the design stage,
the client communicates requirements and constraints to the design team. During
construction, the design team provides updated drawings and clarifications to the
contractor, while the contractor feeds back information about site conditions, progress,
and practical issues. This two-way communication is essential to ensure that the design
remains buildable and cost-effective.
In the local Myanmar context, coordination is often achieved through a combination
of formal documents and regular site meetings. Simple digital tools such as CAD files,
messaging applications, and shared document folders are increasingly used to improve
communication speed and reduce misunderstandings. Effective coordination ensures that
all stakeholders work toward the same objectives, reducing errors, delays, and
unnecessary costs.
12. Influence of Contractual Relationships on Information Flow
Different forms of contractual relationships significantly influence how information
flows between stakeholders in a construction project. In affordable housing projects,
contractual arrangements must support clear communication, accountability, and cost
control.
Under a traditional design–bid–build contract, the client appoints the design team to
complete the design before appointing a contractor. Information flows primarily from the
client to the designer and then to the contractor. While this approach provides clear roles
and responsibilities, it can create communication gaps if design information is not

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updated promptly when site issues arise. This can lead to delays and variations, which are
particularly problematic in low-budget projects.
In contrast, a design-and-build contract integrates design and construction
responsibilities under a single entity. This arrangement can improve information flow, as
designers and contractors work more closely together. For this affordable housing
project, such an approach could enhance coordination, reduce disputes, and allow faster
decision-making when design adjustments are required due to site conditions or material
availability.
However, design-and-build contracts may limit the client’s direct control over design
quality if not properly managed. Therefore, the choice of contract must balance efficiency
with oversight. In all cases, clearly defined communication procedures and
documentation requirements are essential to ensure that accurate and timely information
reaches all stakeholders.
13. Evaluation of the Construction Information Package
The construction information package for this affordable housing project includes
drawings, specifications, schedules, the schedule of works, and an outline health and
safety plan. Evaluating this package in terms of coordination and accuracy highlights
both its strengths and areas for improvement.
A major strength of the package is its simplicity and consistency. The standardised
drawings reflect the regular structural layout and repeatable design, reducing the
likelihood of errors and misunderstandings. Specifications are aligned with drawings and
focus on locally available materials, supporting cost minimisation and ease of
procurement. Door and window schedules are consistent with floor plans, enabling
efficient bulk purchasing and installation.
The coordination between drawings, specifications, and schedules is another positive
aspect. Cross-referencing ensures that dimensions, quantities, and material descriptions
match across documents. This level of coordination reduces rework, delays, and cost
overruns, which is essential for affordable housing projects.
However, a limitation of the information package is its reliance on traditional 2D
documentation and manual coordination. While suitable for a simple single-storey
building, this approach increases the risk of human error, particularly when scaling up to

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larger housing schemes. The limited use of digital coordination tools such as BIM
reduces the ability to detect clashes automatically and manage changes efficiently.
To improve accuracy and coordination, the adoption of basic BIM workflows and
stricter document control procedures is recommended. Overall, the construction
information package is appropriate for the project’s scale and affordability objectives, but
further improvements in digital coordination could enhance quality and efficiency in
future developments.

14. Conclusion
This report has presented a comprehensive construction design project for an
affordable housing development based on a 25 ft × 40 ft single-storey, two-bedroom
residential building located in Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon. The project has been
developed in response to the urgent housing needs in Myanmar and demonstrates how a
locally informed, well-coordinated design process can deliver safe, functional, and cost-
effective housing solutions.
The report has discussed the stages of the construction design process and the types
of information required at each project stage, highlighting the importance of early design
decisions in controlling cost, quality, and buildability. By examining the relationship
between design stages and project stages, the report has shown that effective information
sharing and coordination are critical to reducing errors, delays, and unnecessary
expenditure, particularly in affordable housing projects with limited budgets.
A detailed examination of the project brief ensured that the proposed design aligns
with client objectives, user needs, and project constraints. The report has clearly outlined
the interrelationship between drawings, specifications, and schedules, demonstrating how
coordinated construction information supports accuracy and efficient project delivery.
The importance of clash detection and information coordination was also analysed,
emphasising the role of clear documentation and digital tools in preventing on-site
conflicts.
The proposed design proposition reflects a strong focus on cost minimisation
through local approaches, including the use of free government-provided land, locally
sourced materials, low labour costs, simple construction techniques, regular structural

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layouts, standardised design, and efficient use of machinery. These strategies collectively
reduce construction, administrative, and operational costs while maintaining structural
safety and durability.
Furthermore, the report has highlighted the importance of stakeholder coordination,
effective communication, and appropriate contractual arrangements in ensuring accurate
information flow throughout the project lifecycle. The evaluation of the construction
information package confirmed that a simple, well-coordinated, and standardised set of
drawings and documents is highly suitable for affordable housing delivery, while also
identifying opportunities for improvement through increased use of digital coordination
tools.
In conclusion, this construction design project demonstrates that affordable housing
in Myanmar can be successfully delivered through careful planning, early-stage cost
control, effective information management, and strong coordination between
stakeholders. The proposed design provides a practical and scalable model that can be
replicated across similar developments, contributing positively to sustainable urban
growth and improved living conditions for middle-income families.

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