As an expert in the field of construction, I have witnessed the rise of modular architecture and its impact on the industry. One prime example of this innovative approach is My Micro, a nine-story residential building in Manhattan, New York. This tower consists of 55 modular units made of steel structures and concrete slabs, all prefabricated outside of a facility in Brooklyn. This method has greatly accelerated the construction process, making it a popular choice for various projects around the world. The efficiency and speed offered by modular construction have been major driving forces behind its expansion.
In times of natural disasters, where a quick and organized response is crucial, this approach has proven to be the perfect solution. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example, as the city of Wuhan built a modular hospital in just 10 days using containers joined together by a lightweight steel structure. But it's not just for emergency situations – modular architecture also addresses experimental aspects of buildings and offers solutions for social and growth problems. However, for modular construction to become more widely adopted, the public sector must play a role in modernizing building codes. This aligns with the goal of removing barriers to obtaining more housing, as construction is one of the largest sectors in the world.
The impact of a significant change in this sector can greatly affect global economic productivity. Recent projects utilizing modular construction have already shown impressive results, with project deadlines being accelerated by 20 to 50 percent. Temporary modular buildings are ideal for situations that require rapid construction and future relocation and reuse. In general terms, modular construction involves producing standardized components in an external factory and then assembling them on-site. This method has proven to improve the performance of buildings compared to traditional on-site construction.
On the other hand, permanent modular buildings can take months or even longer to build and assemble on-site, depending on the size and design of the structure. One company that has embraced modular construction is ROC Modular, which offers a new permanent modular residence for students at Selkirk College in British Columbia. This sustainable and innovative construction technique uses lean, off-site manufacturing methods to prefabricate single- or multi-story structures in modular sections. Recent research has also supported the efficiency of modular construction and its potential to help the industry grow. Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), a world leader in the construction sector, has chosen the Maestro Smart 9 heat pump as its ideal comfort solution for a modular housing project in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The project team included Prefab Logic for module design, Nibbi Brothers as the general contractor, Acc U Set Construction as a modular installer, and David Baker Architects and DCI and Fard for overall project design.
In partnership with InProduction, Phoenix Modular Elevator (PME) designed, manufactured, and installed seven modular elevators for the F1 Grand Prix race in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's no surprise that even the most renowned firms have embraced modular architecture due to its numerous benefits. While plans must be defined well in advance for permanent modular buildings, the options are nearly endless – making it an attractive choice for many projects.
