Abstract
Offsite manufacturing continues to make a significant contribution to the market. However, progress and inertia has been somewhat parochial, fragmented, and unmanaged. Whilst several success stories can be cited, there are no real mechanisms for identifying conjoined (integrated) solutions, especially on: socio-political and cultural drivers; societal, economic and business needs; or governmental support mechanisms. A cogent international research strategy is now needed which directly addresses these issues. This paper presents a series of offsite manufacturing developments within Architecture Engineering and Construction. Findings from several influential papers and reports were used to establish a set of priorities, the results of which were cross analysed with a panel of 11 domain experts drawn from CIB W121 (Offsite Construction) community for reflection and future direction. Research findings place significant insight into the need for embedded solutions, in particular: 1) future direction opportunities; and 2) the need for a conjoined alliance of expertise (advisors, researchers, clients, developers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and governmental bodies) to all work together. Whilst both proponents and dissenters will argue that this vision is somewhat ‘Utopian’, the authors proffer that transparency and consistency of message are fervent vehicles for increasing awareness and promoting the sector for future uptake.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Proceedings of the International Research Conference 2017 |
Publisher | University of Salford |
Pages | 862-872 |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2017 |
Event | International research Conference 2017: Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment - University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom Duration: 11 Sept 2017 → 12 Sept 2017 http://usir.salford.ac.uk/44058/7/IRC2017_Proceedings_12102017_optimised.pdf |
Conference
Conference | International research Conference 2017 |
---|---|
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Manchester |
Period | 11/09/17 → 12/09/17 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Design
- Integration
- Offsite Manufacturing
- Process
- Strategy