As an expert in the field of architecture and construction, I have witnessed the rise of modular construction firsthand. One of the most impressive examples of this innovative approach is My Micro, a nine-story residential building located in Manhattan, New York. This tower is made up of 55 modular units constructed with steel structures and concrete slabs. What sets this project apart is that the units were prefabricated outside of a facility in Brooklyn, greatly accelerating the construction process. The efficiency and speed offered by modular architecture has been a major driving force behind its expansion.
In fact, it has become the go-to solution for natural disasters that require a quick and organized response. This was evident in Wuhan, China, where a modular hospital was built in just 10 days to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19. The hospital was constructed using containers joined together by a lightweight steel structure, showcasing the potential of modular construction to address urgent needs. But it's not just natural disasters that can benefit from modular construction. This approach also offers solutions to social and growth problems, as well as experimental aspects of architecture and building design. Today's modular construction companies are able to work with levels of design and construction sophistication that rival their site-built counterparts. One recent example is a project where the main objective was to ensure minimal disruption to the sacred grounds surrounding the new modular building.
This project was a success and further supports the fact that modular construction is an efficient process that is poised to revolutionize the construction industry. The benefits of modular construction are not limited to efficiency and speed. The Fast Housing Initiative in Canada is a prime example of how this approach can also lead to cost savings. Members of the Modular Building Institute (MBI) have successfully built multi-family homes using modular construction techniques, further proving its potential. Terms such as “off-site construction”, “prefabrication” and “modular construction” are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same concept. In fact, modular construction has become so versatile that it can even be used for large-scale events.
For instance, Phoenix Modular Elevator (PME) partnered with InProduction to design, manufacture, and install seven modular elevators for the F1 Grand Prix race in Las Vegas, Nevada. But what exactly is modular construction? It is a sustainable and innovative technique that uses lean, off-site manufacturing methods to prefabricate single- or multi-story structures in modular sections. This approach offers endless options for architects and designers, as seen in the award-winning Aster Place supportive housing building in Richmond, British Columbia. This project won the Best of Show award and an honorable mention for its relocatable structures at the World of Modular conference. While the plans for a modular building must be resolved long before construction begins, permanent modular buildings offer endless possibilities. As more homeowners and designers seek sustainable designs to reduce environmental impact, modular construction has become a natural choice. As an active member of the Modular Building Institute (MBI), I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the potential of modular construction.
Recently, I had the chance to visit Japan with MBI and tour Nichiha USA's headquarters in Nagoya, as well as several other third-party manufacturers across the country. This trip further solidified my belief that modular construction is the future of architecture and construction.
