Mass customization methodology for high-rise modular buildings: adaptive platform, interactive configurator, and decentralized process

Professor Li, Xiao   (Principal Investigator (PI))

24

2023-01-01

85800

Mass customization methodology for high-rise modular buildings: adaptive platform, interactive configurator, and decentralized process

NA

Building and Construction

G-HKU502/22

Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme 2022/23

2022

On-going

This project aims to provide theoretical foundations, key technologies, and applications of the mass customization methodology (MCM) for high-rise modular buildings (HMB), which can (a) first upgrade the construction industry with industrialized construction (IC) in a more broad market, e.g., private sector; (b) then provide more advanced innovations to respond the policies of HK and Germany in DfMA, IC, BIM, and digital work supervision system, (c) finally facilitate the fast feed of customized housing for improving livelihood issues in both HK and Germany. To this end, this project will answer the below fundamental research question: ""Can adaptive platform, interactive configurator, and decentralized process help achievemass customization for high-rise modular buildings in next-generation IC, and how?""The answer to this research question provides a novel theoretical perspective from which mass customization for HMB is a complex adaptive system for an optimal trade-off in standardization and customization rather than a static product design strategy or business model in HMB. Three objectives are defined logically: (1) characterize dynamics, interactions, and uncertainties of complex needs from multicultural customers and stakeholders; (2) develop the fundamental MCM with novelties in the adaptive platform, interactive configurator, and decentralized process; (3) develop and validate practical solutions for the MCM in different types of HMB projects. The detailed objectives are designed below.(1) To create a mass customization (MC) model, a novel MC calibration framework, and a dynamic MC method and index, which provide the theoretical foundations to model, measure, and optimize the complex MC in high-rise modular buildings (HMB).(2) To establish a mass customization methodology (MCM) with novelties in aspects of the adaptive platform, interactive configurator, and decentralized process, which provide scientific facilitators for implementing the MC model.(3) To develop and validate practical solutions of the MCM in the different types of HMB projects through stakeholder consultation, laboratory tests, and industrial projects trials, which provide dynamic evaluations.