ABSTRACT

Architects have been intrigued by prefabricated construction since the early twentieth century. Recent advances in design, engineering and manufacturing processes have led to a significant expansion in the use of pre-assembled components, which are fitted to finished structures on site. Collectively, such processes are becoming known as "offsite construction."

A ground-breaking text, Offsite Architecture establishes the current – and future – state of thinking in this field. A range of the most highly regarded thinkers and practitioners from around the globe share their ideas and practical findings on offsite prefabrication, examining theory and practice, opportunities and challenges, successes and failures.

A timely response to the growing interest in this method, the book provides the fundamental basis for a critical, reflective approach to offsite architecture. Contributions from both academics and professionals make Offsite Architecture required reading for practitioners as well as students taking courses in architecture, prefabrication, construction and engineering.

part A|89 pages

Offsite theory

chapter Chapter 2|16 pages

System structures

A theory of industrialised architecture

chapter Chapter 3|18 pages

Constructing dialogues

On architectural potentials of montage

chapter Chapter 4|22 pages

Mapping the modular industry

part B|160 pages

Offsite practices

chapter Chapter 6|16 pages

Offsite construction industry meta-analysis

Industry survey results

chapter Chapter 7|19 pages

Permanent modular construction

Construction performance

chapter Chapter 8|11 pages

Offsite construction in education

A survey of prefabrication in design and construction academia

chapter Chapter 9|17 pages

Onsite vs. offsite

Comparing environmental impacts

chapter Chapter 10|18 pages

High-performance affordable modular homes

A university and modular industry collaboration

chapter Chapter 12|24 pages

Prefabricated housing in Japan

chapter Chapter 13|10 pages

Offsite construction in Sweden

From technology-driven to integrated processes