Monday, September 08, 2014

Prefabrication has been around since the dawn of construction, the practice whereby a building is partially or totally fabricated off-site, often in factories within close proximity, then transported to the site for assembly.

The goal is to shorten construction times, cut costs and waste compared to traditional on- site construction. In short, prefabrication is almost the answer to all the problems. But in reality, it isn't quite the case.

Many question why prefabrication hasn't become more predominant in our construction industry. It would proliferate in developed countries, where average labor costs are substantially higher than prefabricated construction rates.

However, in developing or undeveloped countries, it's the opposite, so they often opt for traditional on-site construction.

In terms of the choice for construction, the fundamental factor is rooted in design.

Prefabrication isn't a decision to opt for at the construction stage the commitment is made at the start of the project.

For prefabrication to truly excel, the design must incorporate the sequential concept from day one. From the planning layout and massing of the building form, to the structural and building services strategy, prefabrication is the very core that drives the design.

Then comes the question of whether prefabrication is good or bad.

It's perhaps a case-by-case situation, depending on the project term, site constraints, local labor costs and other determining factors.

In the long run, prefabrication is certainly the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of construction.

Architectural critic Nicholas Ho and art historian Stephanie Poon don't always see eye to eye.