Consultive Design, (Myanmar)
Updated: Jan 16
As part of a 14-day exercise across five locations in Myanmar during a highly politically sensitive time, I supported the technical scoping for the redevelopment of Red Cross warehousing and training facilities. Commissioned by the New Zealand Red Cross and funded by MFAT, the objective was to support the Myanmar Red Cross in preparing for future infrastructure investments by Beca (engineering firm). To overcome language barrier and varying technical literacy, I applied an emerging methodology, HIDEC (Hierarchical Decomposition) analysis, within structured focused groups. This approach enabled volunteers and staff to articulate their needs and priorities for the facilities, visually mapping key functional relationships and enabling clear, inclusive decision-making across all five sites. In parallel, I undertook detailed site analysis, including on-site measurements, soil testing, and photographic 360 walkthrough documentation. These informed a set of conceptual designs tailored to the unique operational, spatial, and contextual needs of each location. I co-authored the final report and presented the findings, including the five conceptual designs, to the Myanmar Red Cross leadership in Yangon, with representative from each site and the New Zealand Embassy present. Upon returning to New Zealand, I also briefed MFAT in Wellington on the mission outcomes. The report and designs served as a reference framework for the Myanmar Red Cross as they progress towards detail design and construction with Beca . The below images show some of the initial conceptual designs that came from the consultations, examples of soil testing, and one of the focus groups in action.
