Towards modular architecture?
Züri-Modular © Bauart / R. Walti
At the occasion of the Forum Ecoparc 2019, Prof. Emmanuel Rey, Head of the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST), was interviewed by the newspaper "Le Temps". The article highlights the key issues, opportunities, and challenges related to the approaches that are part of the notion of modular architecture.
Linked to the development of industrialization, the search for rationalization in construction has its origins in the first realizations of the modern movement in the early 20th century. This dynamic then continued in the post-war period, in particular, to respond to the urgency of reconstruction, before experiencing some disaffection.
The theme is experiencing today a renewed interest in research and practice, driven by both socio-cultural and environmental concerns. Indeed, this type of concepts allows the use of low-carbon modes of construction and provides greater flexibility to meet the changing needs of a society in transition.
Many investigations and experiments are currently being conducted to develop new models of homes, offices, hotels or schools using the principles of systems design. One of the challenges is especially to demonstrate that this type of approach reconciles the constructive efficiency with the architectural quality and the quality of life of users.