ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a research which makes three main contributions towards the understanding of transportable buildings. It provides a synthesised review of the existing evaluation and analysis methods that can be adapted to transportable buildings. With respect to the first contribution, the key factors in the design and operation of transportable buildings were investigated. These were analysed in terms of function, finance, timescale and aesthetics. The second key finding has been with regard to the role of evaluation in the life cycle of transportable buildings, as well as the evaluation principles and the evaluation process. The final key finding relates to the comparative case studies of three projects that were explored in depth: Chengdu Hualin Elementary School, designed by Shigeru Ban Architects from Japan in 2008; Exxopolis, designed by Architects of Air, a company based in Nottingham, UK; and Kreod, a multi-functional structure designed by architect Chunqing Li which was exhibited after the London 2012 Olympic Games.
