Reading: Refabricating Architecture

"Refabricating Architecture" by Stephen Kieran and James Timberlake, 2004

How Manufacturing Methodologies Are Poised to Transform Building Construction

I first read this book three years ago while researching modular construction and the KieranTimberlake's Loblolly House Project.

The book looks at how we can apply ideas from other types of manufacturing like ships and cars to building construction. It got me started at looking at how building construction is lagging behind other types of construction in speed, efficiency, and technology.

My favorite example is looking at how today car's are filled with complex technology. Sensors are integrated through out the car, detecting tire air pressure, engine performance, and even a crash- all to provide a safer, more efficient vehicle. If anything thing goes wrong the cars tells us through a warning light and some now even have the ability to send information straight to your smart phone.

I think it's time we started looking at how we can integrate technology into the core of architecture to create new buildings that respond to their occupants and to the environment around them.