Offsite Manufacturing in Architecture Engineering and Construction: An Unfolding Story

Jack Goulding, Farzad Pour Rahimian, M. Arif, Akintola Akintoye, I. Faraj

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Research Conference 2017
PublisherUniversity of Salford
Pages862-872
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017
EventInternational research Conference 2017: Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment - University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 Sept 201712 Sept 2017
http://usir.salford.ac.uk/44058/7/IRC2017_Proceedings_12102017_optimised.pdf

Conference

ConferenceInternational research Conference 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityManchester
Period11/09/1712/09/17
Internet address

Keywords

  • Design
  • Integration
  • Offsite Manufacturing
  • Process
  • Strategy

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