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Alfieri, E, Seghezzi, E, Sauchelli, M, Di Giuda, G M and Masera, G (2020) A BIM-based approach for DfMA in building construction: framework and first results on an Italian case study. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16(04), 247–69.

Ji, Y, Lee, A and Fernando, T (2020) Dynamic thermal simulation of advanced natural ventilation in buildings: current and future usage, UK exemplar. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16(04), 293–309.

Morales-Beltran, M and Yildiz, B (2020) Integrating configuration-based seismic design principles into architectural education: teaching strategies for lecture courses. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16(04), 310–28.

Shafiee, S, Piroozfar, P, Hvam, L, Farr, E R, Huang, G Q, Pan, W, Kudsk, A, Rasmussen, J B and Korell, M (2020) Modularisation strategies in the AEC industry: a comparative analysis. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16(04), 270–92.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: Modularisation; architecture; architecture, engineering and construction (AEC); top-down modularisation; bottom-up modularisation; industrialised building systems;
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1745-2007
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2020.1735291
  • Abstract:
    Many industries have benefited from modularisation; while in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, the concept of modularisation is associated with dimensional coordination. This has added to an already extensive list of challenges due to market size and the concept of economies of scale in AEC industry, to name but a few. Moreover, there is a myth that the AEC industry is bound to stay associated with build-to-order or made-to-order approach caused the AEC industry to restrict modularisation to the component level. This changes the balance in favour of what this paper calls a bottom-up approach. On the other hand, a valid alternative strategy – referred to in this study as top-down strategy – remains very much underexploited. The clients, therefore, do not have a neutral means by which they can assess which strategy is in their best interest. Likewise, if a construction company plans to make a strategic move towards the principles of modularisation and off-site manufacturing, they do not have clear decision support tools. This study investigates these two main modularisation strategies in the AEC industry to provide some examples of successful cases regarding how, when and where such strategy have been applied by different construction companies in different cases. The collected and collated empirical data and the results from the interviews will help clients and companies to analyse their own cases and make operational decisions on how, when and where to best utilise the bottom-up and top-down modularisation techniques while considering the pros and cons of such decisions.