Redefining Modular Requires Redefining the Process
Five years ago Webster’s dictionary defined the word Modular as an “efficiency unit” or “relating to modules.” Today if you ask Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant, each will define Modular as “a construction process where individual modules are built off site and connected together on site.” Or it may say “employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction.” We can’t take direct credit for this improvement, but it is fair to say that we have played an important role in creating a greater shared understanding among a wider audience. In the last five years we have completed nearly twenty permanent projects as a CM at Risk using offsite construction. In the next five years, we aim to provide great clarity as to when and how modular construction should be used. We were one of the first companies, fifteen years ago, to start using the phrase Volumetric Modular Construction and Offsite Construction which has also been helpful for owners and contractors to define the differences between panelized versus modular.
A problem well defined, is a problem half solved. By defining Modular Construction as a unique process that is distinct from other forms of Prefabrication we hope to add value to the design community. Our ultimate goal in “Redefining” Modular is to deliver great value to our customers. This means honing in on the best practice to utilize this form of construction. The only way to add value, and to have people come to know offsite construction as an alternative form of constructing a building with more speed — and reliability that actually works! — is to also Redefine the process that enables this form of construction.
More on that in the next post…. Thanks for reading.
Donna Laquidara-Carr, PhD LEED API
Matthew Steere, Construction Industry Strategist
