Just published and available for purchase online, The Future of Modular Architecture presents an unprecedented proposal for mass-customized mid- and high-rise modular housing that can be manufactured and distributed on a global scale. The book’s thesis springs from the idea that adopting the dimensional standards of the existing intermodal freight transportation system is the key to achieving meaningful economies of scale.
Advocating for open-source design based on this new modular standard, the book shows how global supply chains can be harnessed to realize the long-held promise that housing will be a well-designed and affordable industrial product. We are on the cusp of a transformative change in the way we design and build our cities.
Author David Wallance FAIA argues that the future of modular architecture is profoundly intertwined with globalization, equitable urbanism, and sustainable development. His book addresses these timely issues through a specific approach grounded in fundamental concepts. Going beyond the individual modular building, Wallance forecasts the emergence of a new type of design, manufacturing, and construction enterprise.
From the book’s Foreword by Susan Szenasy:
“Rising to the new and growing challenge [of societal issues] is architect David Wallance and his brilliant multi-disciplinary team. What follows is the inspiring story of creating a new approach to affordable urban housing from a product of worldwide commerce; and a deep understanding of global connections between the peoples of the Earth, in the 21st century.”
At 302 pages with 130 color illustrations, in hard-bound and paperback. the book represents 15 years of research, technical development, and design. Written in an approachable style, the book is a must read for professionals in architecture and design, urban planning, housing policy, construction, as well as the general reader with an interest in these topics.
PART 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 The Global Housing Crisis
Chapter 3 The Argument for Economical Transportation
Chapter 4 The Disruptive Advent of Intermodal Shipping
Chapter 5 Promises of Progress: Four Case Histories
PART 2
Chapter 6 The Intermodal Modular System
PART 3
Chapter 7 Is Intermodal Modular Architecture Sustainable?
Chapter 8 Innovators, Entrenched Interests, and Early Adopters
Chapter 9 Toward a Global Vernacular
Chapter 10 The Collaborative Open Source Project
Chapter 11 The Place of Intermodal Modular Architecture
ISBN
9780367467227Title
The Future of Modular ArchitectureAuthor
David WallancePublisher
RoutledgePublication year
2021Binding
PaperbackLanguage
English
