This approach, exemplified by Platform II, leverages the benefits of manufacturing at the component level while achieving manufacturing-like productivity on-site.
The first is a web app to accelerate the design of precision manufactured housing in London for the Greater London Authority (GLA).It allows users to create intelligent models within a 3D context, based on government space standards and DfMA rationale.
Adaptability and feedback on the suitability of certain DfMA construction systems are just some of its features.Cresser-Brown notes that because designs are generated at speed, it allows users to ‘make objective decisions based on far greater exploratory studies than possible using traditional feasibility workflows.’.Phil Langley points out that ‘the app encodes... ‘best practice’ design guidance from across the manufacturing and systemisation industry and will be made freely available and open source.’.
Jami is also currently working on an Innovate UK funded project for the design configuration of primary schools.The project is also delivered as an open source, web app and as she says, ‘enables architects, teachers and pupils alike to quickly and easily configure early stage design proposals...’.
Digital school models feature ‘clusters’ of rooms, which adhere to Department for Education area/adjacency requirements.
The goal is to achieve compliant school design from the outset, whilst simultaneously maintaining flexibility and creativity.. An openness and willingness to share ideas is important to Cresser-Brown, who recognises the unique position the industry currently finds itself in resulting from new digital and manufacturing opportunities.Whether we call it a housing shortage, or a housing crisis, it’s no secret the UK is facing a serious problem.
The lack of quality homes has been a key topic of discussion for many years within the construction industry.Back in 2017, the Mayor of London announced the need for at least 50,000 new homes per year in the capital.
However, since then, only around 40,000 have been built, and only a little over 25% of those are considered ‘affordable.’ The disparity between need and production in residential architecture highlights a broader, but equally critical, issue - the problems and inefficiency of the wider construction industry.At Bryden Wood, we hope our housing design app, PRiSM, will help to form part of the solution.. Our problem as an industry is simple enough to understand; it stretches beyond residential architecture into other social infrastructure sectors as well.
(Editor: Eco Tripods)