Urbanization is constantly developing and ushering transformational change and technological innovations. In the 21st century, urbanization is also shaped into the most dominant demographic trend. In such a changing environment modular construction is reshaping urbanization and the future of urban development.
Modular construction offers cost-effective solutions, efficient spacing, sustainability, and more importantly creativity. This innovative approach was introduced to reshape the urban landscape, where the prefabricated building blocks are manufactured in a factory and assembled on-site. Manufacturing in a controlled factory environment certifies quality control, precision, and flexibility in design, pushing a shift from traditional building methods.
The impact of modular construction in urban development is on the rise as urbanization and its expansion are global phenomena. UN has estimated that by 2050, 69% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. Alarming demographic changes also contribute to the need for innovative and sustainable techniques in urban development.
As World Bank has calculated roughly 300 million housing units will be required by 2023 to shelter three billion people who will be seeking new housing and basic infrastructure. In this scenario, modular construction comes as a promising solution for future challenges. Modular construction is not a new adoption to housing development as for many decades have utilized in building low-rise residential and public buildings.
In the construction of high-rise buildings modular construction is also making inroads for its sustainability and UK is leading the way. The prime example is George Street, Croydon, UK, completed in 2020, which is considered the second highest in the world, the modular residential building stands 135 meters high with two buildings of 38 floors and 44 floors respectively. The modules of the residential complex were supplied by Vision Modular System UK, Ltd and were completed within 26 months by the HTA architect.
Understanding types of Modular Construction: PMC & RB
Modular construction in urban development is surging due to its technological advantage and sustainable solution. It comes in two types Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) and Relocatable Building (RB), both of which can efficiently complete project by 30% to 50% faster as compared to traditional construction methods.
PMC is marked as one of the most advanced and innovative methods of construction. The method adopts manufacturing techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story whole-building solutions in deliverable module sections. It can be seamlessly integrated into any site project and can be delivered with MEP, fixtures, interior cutting cost, time, and space. PMCs are also known to rely on BIM for effective visualization to assess energy performance and allow cost-effective measures. Some research has indicated that PMCs are a solution to cost-effective, better-quality construction, and are more marketable than traditional stick-built construction.
Relocatable Building (RB), poses as a solution to construction that can be reused or repurposed several times and also can be effectively transported to different building sites. RBs are partially or completely assembled building modules and are designed to be used multiple times that are made in building manufacturing facilities using the modular construction process. They are fundamentally in compliance with applicable codes or state regulations and have been adopted in the building of schools, offices, sales centers, and others.
What are the advantages of Modular Construction In Urban Development
The allure of modular construction in urban areas stands as a solution to future challenges in areas of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and space management. Modular construction is comparatively stronger than conventional site-built structures since each module is installed independently. Among the many benefits of modular construction, it comes with flexibility in transport, installation, and redefining aesthetic designs and it is also revamping urban skylines. From an economic lens, such a project that cuts the project implementation time minimizes the risk of market change, answers to increasing demands, and reduces labor costs. According to the 2019 McKinsey report, it was underlined recent modular projects are minimizing project timelines by 20 to 50 percent.
Cuts Project Timelines and Cost: It has been found that 60-90% of modular construction projects are completed in a controlled environment which lowers the risk of weather delays and other environmental factors. Such factors result in the completion of projects sooner than their expected timeline which means substantial cost savings. Maximization of efficiency is possible since site works and building fabrication can be undertaken simultaneously, when foundations are laid on-site, modules can be constructed in a factory.
Room for sustainability and environment friendly: Modern construction appeals to more sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, here modular construction are answer to it. Modular construction ideally integrates the capability to assemble and disassemble hence such modules can be relocated or refurbished reducing the use of raw materials. Manufacturing the modules in a controlled factory environment is known to minimize material wastage and increase recycling options. Additionally, several modular construction projects allow energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials thus reducing carbon footprint. Lastly in the process of disassembling and relocating modules, the construction techniques adhere to changing trends without disturbing the environment.
In conclusion, modular construction in urban development caters to future challenges with its increasing urbanization and demographic growth. It responds to waste reduction, time-saving, and cost-effectiveness and pioneers innovation and technological innovation. The rise of adopting modular construction in urban settings is evolving into a collaborative and innovative industry one which is inspiring. Also offering the best solution to 21st-century urban challenges by mapping the sustainable development of cities.
