Signal 1: Real life Lego- Stacked buildings via Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)
What is it?
Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is a relatively new construction methodology where a building is dissected into “modules” (Well, think Lego), manufactured and assembled off-site (typically in factories) and then transported to the actual location of the building. An example of a typical “module” consists of a free-standing unit in a house, such as an entire bathroom.
Implications to the Urban Environment
Proponents of this game-changing technology have highlighted advantages such as:
· Increase in productivity of construction process with manpower and time savings
· Increased workplace safety as production is done in a controlled, regulated factory environment
· Reduction in noise pollution and dust at the building site
While this cookie-cutter approach is practical and efficient, potential implications to the urban fabric needs to be weighed. Buildings have traditionally contributed to roles such as place-making and way-finding. The Empire State Building, for example, is a landmark orientating dwellers and providing an indication of the distance from Midtown.
PPVC is an example of adopting technological advancements and advocating a case for Smart Cities, but brings about an important question — do we lose the soul of cities and homogenize them in the pursuit of practicality and efficiency via technology?
Source: Costarangos, A. (2017 June 19). kwong von glinow brings new urban verticality to residential-living in hong kong. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kwong-von-glinow-towers-within-a-tower-hong-kong-06-19-2017/?utm_content=buffer6cd38&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
