ABSTRACT
Mass customisation is a well-known strategy in manufacturing and service industries but still has to be investigated in the built environment, architecture and construction with reference to the specifics of those disciplines. The two mainstreams – the manufacture/service industries and the building industry – are fundamentally different in terms of the final product, the production process, the cash flow and the value chain amongst many other aspects. Building upon the existing literature of mass customisation in the pioneering industries, this chapter investigates those achievements with an aim to facilitate their transfer and employment in the construction industry. It draws a comparative analysis between the two sectors to point out similarities and differences. This helps show the way forward if any attempt towards mass customisation and personalisation is to be successfully made in the building industry. It subsequently outlines the feasibilities and obstacles in the way of application of those strategies in the built environment. Finally the chapter concludes with some practical guidelines for successful employment of customisation and personalisation strategies in the built environment in the future.
