Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Construction Platforms allow us to apply this same type of thinking to built assets.Yes, those assets require flexibility, but the need for flexibility doesn’t have to be at odds with standardisation.
Using P-DfMA, we can have both..Flexibility in modular construction.At Bryden Wood, it’s a guiding principle that we never compromise the design to fit the system.
Rather, our aim is to allow a level of flexibility in the components to resolve the tension between the need for optimisation and variability – what the market wants, or clients need.For example, with the Platform to superstructure, we have a series of standard connection brackets, which link the beams and columns.
The same brackets are used consistently and they are colour-coded.
This makes it easy to teach people how to do the assembly and they become very quick at doing it.It stimulated their creativity and imaginations.
We must begin exploring these subjects with children earlier, encouraging education around topics like automation and DfMA, alongside digital skills, tools and techniques in degree courses.These subjects shouldn’t be perceived as specialisms.
We must start implementing them as the fundamental way we design going forwards..The future of the built environment depends on our action.
(Editor: Quick Tripod Heads)