1/2 – 2011

Prefabricated

The current issue approaches the theme of prefabrication from an unusual side, that is from the individual building parts. In conceiving this issue we were interested in the more inconspicuous and, precisely on this account, successful building elements and everyday systems in building that take a pragmatic path between architectural design and feasibility on the building site. It quickly became clear that through collaboration between architect, producer, engineer and – often untrained – worker this area of constructing produces, almost unnoticed, a considerable amount of innovations. The buildings shown here have in common the fact that all of them were built with elements that are very simple and robust and yet were functionally specially equipped. They can combine different functions such as supporting, insulating and service runs, in some cases even allied with an elegant appearance. Today prefabrication allows a level of complexity for the individual element that, although far below the possibilities and expectations of forward-looking design, still brings with it a great degree of simplification and rationalization on the building site.