This paper presents preliminary findings of a study to examine the relationship between site productivity, construction costs and the 'buildable score' of a buildable design appraisal system recently developed by the Singapore Construction Industry Development Board. The buildable score for a building is a numerical figure computed by taking into account the level of standardization, simplicity and extent of integrated elements used in the design of a building. The stated objective of the appraisal system is 'to promote more buildable designs in the industry through assessing the contribution of design to site efficiency and produc6 tivity'. Empirical results from 37 completed building projects provide support for the appraisal system's proposition that 'a design with a higher buildable score will result in more efficient labour usage in construction and therefore higher site labour productivity'. However, the relationship between construction costs and buildable score is less distinct.Buildability, Buildable Score, Site Labour Productivity, Construction Costs,

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A building design project that requires civil engineering students in the UK and architectural students in Canada to collaborate virtually has been implemented at universities in the two countries. The aims were to obtain a greater understanding of the process, strategies and expected outcomes for a more effective implementation of problem-based learning to hone communication and teamwork skills. Data were obtained from a series of interviews with 23 students from seven groups, assessment results of 249 participating and non-participating students, and student evaluation. The findings suggest that the professional ethos of the groups and the consequent building of trust is the greatest factor in supporting successful collaborations. This has been found to be able to overcome many barriers related to technology and differences of culture, language, time zone and tasks. However, the activity did not seem to have any impact on student performance, but has improved the project management skills of participating students. The activity has also contributed positively to increasing student satisfaction. Several lessons for future implementation are presented, before limitations and further research are described.

In the built environment (BE)

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A rich variety of cost models is used in the world's construction industries. In countries exposed to British practice, the use of traditional bills of quantities is common. Elsewhere, bills of quantities may not be used at all. This paper briefly reviews the nature and purpose of cost models both in the UK and in south‐east Asia. It explains how the principle of cost‐significance can lead to a simplified method of measurement which is both well‐structured and sufficiently accurate ‐ a half‐way house between traditional bills and a single lump sum. By way of example, the derivation of a cost‐significant model for student hostels in Singapore is presented. Representing no more than a first step, the problems still to be resolved are outlined. Nevertheless, the techniques seem to hold much promise for the future, and others are encouraged to explore where they might most effectively be applied.