1. ArchDaily
  2. custom-build

custom-build: The Latest Architecture and News

From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication

Subscriber Access | 

Prefabrication is one of the most transformative innovations in architecture and construction, redefining how buildings are designed, manufactured, and assembled. While not a new concept, its application has evolved to offer a broader range of advantages. Traditionally valued for its precision and quality, prefabrication is now equally recognized for its cost and time efficiencies, particularly in leveraging regional differences in labor and production. This shift has fueled its resurgence across high-end, design-driven projects and large-scale, cost-efficient public buildings.

From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication - Image 1 of 4From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication - Image 2 of 4From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication - Image 3 of 4From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication - Image 4 of 4From High-Tech Icons to Social Housing: The Evolving Role of Prefabrication - More Images+ 9

Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo

Subscriber Access | 

Architecture is a long-standing profession, one that has produced the iconic landmarks we admire around the world, monuments which we revere around the world, and played a part in establishing the organisation of the cities we live in today. This description, however, is architecture in the traditional sense - and there are numerous examples of individuals and firms who have strayed away from traditional architectural practice, either through delving into adjacent fields or 'disrupting' the field with the harnessing of new technologies.

Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo - Image 1 of 4Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo - Image 2 of 4Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo - Image 3 of 4Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo - Image 4 of 4Going Against the Grain: Firms Disrupting the Status Quo - More Images+ 7

How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect?

Subscriber Access | 

Self-build”: no mention of an architect, or anyone else for that matter. Maybe it’s a prehistoric urge that makes this idea so enticing; our earliest ancestors constructed their primitive huts to suit their unique needs and reflect their status or style. “Self-build” promises to physically re-connect people to the homes they live in.

However, the romantic notion of "self-build" housing is rarely compatible with the modern reality we live in. Building has become increasingly clouded by the difficulty of procuring land, excessive governmental red-tape, and an increase in building complexity. While self-build remains the purest form of this dream, there are now a series of nuanced processes that can help us achieve similar results. As a new generation of communities that encourage this dream emerges, we must look at the role the architect plays within them.

How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect? - Image 5 of 4How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect? - Image 6 of 4How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect? - Image 4 of 4How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect? - Image 7 of 4How Could Modern Self-Build Communities Challenge the Role of the Architect? - More Images+ 4