101-0523-00L Industrialized Construction
Semester | Spring Semester 2020 |
Lecturers | D. Hall |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Abstract | This course offers an introduction and overview to Industrialized Construction, a rapidly-emerging concept in the construction industry. The course will present the driving forces, concepts, technologies, and managerial aspects of Industrialized Construction, with an emphasis on current industry applications and future entrepreneurial opportunities in the field. |
Objective | By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Describe the characteristics of the nine integrated areas of industrialized construction: planning and control of processes; developed technical systems; prefabrication; long-term relations; logistics; use of ICT; re-use of experience and measurements; customer and market focus; continuous improvement. 2. Assess case studies on successful or failed industry implementations of industrialized construction in Europe, Japan and North America. 3. Propose a framework for a new industrialized construction company for a segment of the industrialized construction market (e.g. housing, commercial, schools) including the company’s business model, technical platform, and supply chain strategy. 4. Identify future trends in industrialized construction including the use of design automation, digital fabrication, and Industry 4.0. |
Content | The application of Industrialized Construction - also referred to as prefabrication, offsite building, or modular construction – is rapidly increasing in the industry. Although the promise of industrialized construction has long gone unrealized, several market indicators show that this method of construction is quickly growing around the world. Industrialized Construction offers potential for increased productivity, efficiency, innovation, and safety on the construction site. The course will present the driving forces, concepts, technologies, and managerial aspects of Industrialized Construction. The course unpacks project-orientated vs. product-oriented approaches while showcasing process and technology platforms used by companies in Europe, the UK, Japan, and North America. The course highlights future business models and entrepreneurial opportunities for new industrialized construction ventures. The course is organized around a group project carried out in teams of 3-4. The project begins in week 6 of the course, and collaborative group work will occur during the Wednesday sessions. Teams will be required to propose a framework for a new industrialized construction venture including the company’s product offering, business model, technical platform, and supply chain strategy. The planned course activities include a 1/2 day factory visit (UPDATE confirmed date is Friday, March 20), a tour of the NCCR dfab laboratory, and five reflection assignments. Students who are unable to attend the visits can make up participation through independent research and the writing of a short paper. |
Literature | A full list of required readings will be made available to the students via Moodle. |