Enhancing buildability in China's construction industry using Singapore's buildable design appraisal system

PurposeThe construction industry in China is progressing at a rapid pace. There are many important issues to be considered in the Chinese construction industry, not the least of which is the distancing of the design aspects from the construction aspects of a construction project. Integrating design with construction through the buildability concept can yield many benefits relating to time, cost, quality and sustainable environment. The purpose of this paper is to propose how a building design appraisal system (BDAS) may be formalized to benefit the construction industry in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study explains the basic principles of buildability; describes the development and implementation of the BDAS in Singapore; demonstrates how buildability scores can be computed using the BDAS model; and proposes the measures that can be taken in China to populate buildability and formalize a similar BDAS model in the Chinese construction industry.FindingsThe construction industry in Singapore has benefited tremendously from the BDAS formalized by the relevant building authorities. The construction industry in Singapore possesses relevant knowledge and expertise in buildability. This skills set can likewise be transferred to China to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Chinese construction industry.Practical implicationsSome countries, like Singapore, have recognized the importance of buildability towards raising overall productivity levels in the construction industry. In the case of Singapore, the implementation of buildability principles in the construction industry have been formalized through the BDAS whose minimum buildability scores must be complied with by all property developments before building plans approvals are given by the relevant building authorities.Originality/valueThere is ample scope for China to review how the BDAS was implemented in Singapore and to consider how such a formalized system can be modified, adapted and transferred for application in the Chinese construction industry.