What is mean by Modular Construction and How it used in Urban Area?

In age of fast urbanization, innovative construction methods are rapidly increasing. In this type construction is cost effective, efficient space, sustainability and more creativity. Growing demand of housing, commercial space and infrastructure.United Nation estimated that 2050, 69% of world population living in urban area. Modular Construction method that gaining traction worldwide, modular construction offer practical and efficient solution to challenge faced by urban developers. But what mean by modular construction and how does transform urban landscape? Let’s know this modern building in detail.

Understand Modular Construction 

Modular construction is building process where structure is manufactured off site in factories controlled environment and then project transported to final location for assemble. Unlike traditional construction method, where every single part is built from scratch on construction site, but modular construction have  prefabricated module or section that is pieced together like building block.

These type module are pre designed for meet specific requirement and this type module include wall, floor, ceiling and also entire room. Modular construction have high accuracy, consistency and efficient by having advanced technology and manufactured in strict quality control measures in factory.

Type of Modular Construction

1. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC): PMC module are designed for remain in place for long term. Permanent Modular Construction is often used for school, office, hospital and residential building. PMC offer durability and it have customization option similar like traditional construction.

2. Relocatable Modular Construction (RMC): These type construction and structure are temporary and it can be dismantled, moved and reused in anytime and anywhere. These common application include disaster relief house, temporary classroom and school or office for construction project.

Benefits of Modular Construction in Urban Area

1. Speed Construction 

Modular construction reduce lots of time needed to complete building. Modules is fabricated off site in factory while site preparation occur simultaneously, overall construction timeline is shortened. For urban area with high demand for house and office space, less time and speed make game changer.

Modular construction is eco friendly 

2. Cost Effective 

Module building in factory environment reduce labor cost and material wastage. Modular construction also minimize delay cause such as weather condition and material shortage, this is common challenge in traditional construction. This factor contribute for cost saving. Makes it attractive and best option for developer and government.

3. Sustainability 

Urban area face mounting pressure for get environment friendly practice. Modular construction made with this goal by reducing material waste, energy consumption, labour cost. And many modular construction modules made from recyclable material, it increases module sustainability.

4. Flexibility and Scalability 

Modular construction offers better flexibility, allows developer to scale project up or down as needed for construction. And additional module can added to building as per requirement.

5. Improved Quality 

Factory controlled environment offer each module built with exact specification, it minimizes human error. Rough quality control process lead structure that meet.

Application of Modular Construction in Urban Area 

1. Residential Building 

Modular construction is become popular choice for urban house building project, including apartment complex and affordable house project. In city with limited land and growing population, this method offer faster building development of high density house building without compromising quality.

For example, New York city has seen rise in modular house project construction, include ‘The Stack’ a multi family apartment building constructed entire from prefabricated module.

2. Commercial Space 

From office building for retail space, modular construction offer quick and cost effective option for create commercial construction projects. Urban area with high demand for co working space and retail outlet benefit from speed and efficiency of modular construction.

A best example is Marriot International Hotel constructed in New York City, which hold the record being world’s tallest modular hotel. This project was completed just in 90 days.

3. Healthcare Facility 

It dense populated urban area, modular construction is used for build hospital and clinics constructed easily and quickly. In Corona Virus (Covid-19) underscored importance of speed to creating healthcare buildings, with quality modular unit being used for Corona Virus testing centers, quarantine facility and emergency hospital.

4. Educational Institution 

School and universities in urban area often face constraint and fluctuating enrollment number. Modular construction classroom and facilities provide flexible and better solution. Allowing educational and institution for expand or modify their space as needed.

5. Urban Infrastructure 

Urban infrastructure project, like a transportation hub, public restroom and community center, also benefit from modular construction. The ability to quickly assemble these structure minimize disruption in city type environment.

Challenges of Modular Construction in Urban Area 

1. Logistical Complexity 

Transporting large size module to urban site can challenging due to high traffic and narrow street. Developer need proper study of roads and proper planning to make smooth delivery and assemble module.

2. Initial Cost 

Modular construction is cost effective in long run, initial setup cost for factories and special equipment can be cost high.

3. Design Limitation 

Modular construction allow for customization, it may not suitable for unique architectural design. Some developer might know this limitations, particular for iconic urban project.

4. Regulatory Problem 

Urban construction is often subject stringent building code and zoning regulation. Modular construction may face additional analysis, as local authorities need to know familiarize themselves with this new method.

Read More: Understanding the Safety Costs of Green Building Construction in India