DETAIL 6.2020

From the editorial of issue 6.2020:

Modular Construction and Prefabrication

Building with modular and prefabricated elements tends to be quick and inexpensive, and can lead to record-setting planning and construction times. Modular construction becomes even more important in times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 pan­demic, when there is high, immediate demand for new functional space. Carlo Ratti and Italo Rota recently designed an intercon­necting modular unit to complement existing hospital infrastruc­ture in order to treat coronavirus patients. Each of the converted shipping containers accommodates two intensive care beds and reduces the risk of infection through a biocontainment system with negative pressure.

This June issue examines the potential of modular con­struction and prefabrication. Holzer Kobler Architekturen have significant experience with prefab construction and containers; they explore the limits of these building methods with every project. A recent project by Far frohn&rojas in Berlin shows how precast concrete elements can be used to create an exemplary, multifaceted resi­dential building with wide spans and flexible floor plans. For their student village in Wiltshire, England, WilkinsonEyre had fully equipped and furnished timber housing units positioned on site by crane. And in London, Doone Silver Kerr stacked recycled shipping containers to create a hotel with a striking facade.