The challenges of modular architecture
Züri-Modular © Blumer Lehmann / Bauart
Prof. Emmanuel Rey, head of the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) and partner of the Bauart office in Bern, Neuchâtel, and Zurich, is one of the experts invited to speak in the book “L'AMI Bison Futé”, published by the CANAL architecture office in Paris.
This new book is part of the “Committed to the quality of tomorrow's housing” program and a call for interest (AMI - appel à manifestation d'intérêt). It results from of the prospective survey and research-action work developed within the framework of the transformation project of the former Centre National d'Information Routière (CNIR / Bison Futé) in Rosny-sous-Bois. The book aims not only to present the architectural approach to this transformation, but also to collect a series of intersecting views on the issues inherent in off-site architectural production.
“As architects, we must demonstrate that the modular process can be something other than cheap and monotonous. Faced with a disaffection with modular prefabrication, we want to demonstrate that constructive efficiency doesn't have to be synonymous with expressive architectural poverty. Modularity, or “systems thinking” as we call it at Bauart, is now at the heart of our practice. For us, modular construction is not only a more environmentally friendly way of building but also a way of showcasing Swiss expertise in wood construction. We believe that wood modulars can accompany the transition to sustainability. Modular prefabricated architecture can help to respond to changing situations, as long as it succeeds in integrating the notions of adaptability, sustainability and quality,” emphasizes Prof. Emmanuel Rey.