Prefabricated Systems

For a number of years, modular construction – the use of prefabricated elements in architecture – has once again become a subject of lively discussion and debate. Long written off as monotonous, today’s building components are actually highly differentiated and capable of supporting and enhancing the architect’s creativity. Numerous structures work with prefabricated components; for single-family homes the figure is ninety-eight percent, and modular systems are available that meet high aesthetic standards.
This book provides an overview of the various different systems and their possible uses, particularly in the areas of housing, office, and industrial buildings. It explains the processes and components of modular construction and the behavior of the various materials when this construction approach is used. The authors offer strategies for planning and designing with prefabricated systems so that the architect can use them productively.
Numerous drawings explain the principles of modular construction, while built examples forge a link between those principles and the practical activity of building.

Seit einigen Jahren wird der Systembau, die Verwendung von vorgefertigten Elementen in der Architektur wieder engagiert diskutiert. Lange als monoton abgestempelt, weisen heutige Bauelemente in Wirklichkeit einen hohen Differenzierungsgrad auf, der die Kreativitat der Architekten nachhaltig stutzen und verstarken kann. Zahlreiche Bauten arbeiten mit solchen vorgefertigten Elementen - im Bereich Einfamilienhauser trifft dies heute auf 98 Prozent zu und es sind asthetisch anspruchsvolle Modulsysteme erhaltlich. Dieses Buch stellt ubersichtlich die verschiedenen Systeme und ihre Einsatzmoglichkeiten insbesondere im Wohnungs-, Buro- und Industriebau vor. Die Prozesse und Komponenten im Systembau werden erklart, und das Verhalten der unterschiedlichen Materialien bei dieser Bauweise erlautert. Die Autoren stellen Strategien fur Planung und Entwurf mit prafabrizierten Systemen vor, damit diese vom Architekten nutzbringend eingesetzt werden konnen. Zahlreiche Zeichnungen erklaren die Prinzipien im Systembau, gebaute Beispiele sorgen fur den Bruckenschlag zur Baupraxis.

For a number of years, modular construction – the use of prefabricated elements in architecture – has once again become a subject of lively discussion and debate. Long written off as monotonous, today’s building components are actually highly differentiated and capable of supporting and enhancing the architect’s creativity. Numerous structures work with prefabricated components; for single-family homes the figure is ninety-eight percent, and modular systems are available that meet high aesthetic standards.
This book provides an overview of the various different systems and their possible uses, particularly in the areas of housing, office, and industrial buildings. It explains the processes and components of modular construction and the behavior of the various materials when this construction approach is used. The authors offer strategies for planning and designing with prefabricated systems so that the architect can use them productively.
Numerous drawings explain the principles of modular construction, while built examples forge a link between those principles and the practical activity of building.

Prefabricated Systems - Principles of Construction

1 Introduction

2 The history of building systems

3 Systems for housing

4 Systems for commercial and industrial buildings

5 The procedure: planning, production, delivery and assembly

6 The materials: stone, wood, steel and plastics

7 The components: structure, façade, interior and services

8 The future of building systems

Bibliography