EPISODE 5: A BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BUILDING

When it was first built, the Eiffel Tower was seen a global marvel, not only for its magnificent design but also for demonstrating what could be achieved with state of the art manufacturing techniques and technologies. For example, rivet holes on the structural beams were precision-drilled in a factory offsite and the actual riveting was done on-site, maximizing quality and efficiency. 

The same spirit of innovation has been applied in the new tower Project, which makes use of a manufacturing technique called productization. This means that rather than being seen as a single entity, the tower is conceived as a modular building – one composed of multi-trade prefabricated modules. These can be manufactured in micro-factories and then installed on-site, requiring fewer trade workers during the assembly process. 

Rather than designing the prefabricated modules from scratch, the various elements of the building are selected from an existing library of Integration Ready Modules. These modules have been designed based off established data and knowledge from general contractors, specialty contactors, and building product manufacturers. General contractors serve as the prime integrators for modularized systems. By using a virtual construction twin, a construction project team can model and test different building designs, utilising different combinations of Integration Ready Modules.

This is the power of productization. Inspired by the modular approach that has long been used in other manufacturing sectors, like automotive manufacturing, it helps answer the growing demands of personalization and regionalization, by leveraging tried-and-tested libraries of elements. These can then be used in future modular construction projects.

This productization approach also enables designers to methodically consider manufacturing and logistics constraints, and then make the decisions than can support truly sustainable construction approaches.

A key element here is traceability – by being able to trace each module as it is produced, transported, and assembled, manufacturers can monitor the environmental impact across a building’s lifecycle, helping minimize things like carbon footprints. This includes being able to unmount and reuse each module elsewhere as needed. By doing so, project waste is greatly reduced at every stage, from manufacturing and construction, to operations, and ultimately dismantling.

Throughout the process, the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform is a critical element in powering productization. Virtual twin solutions enable teams to effectively manage generative variant modules, product lines, portfolios, and project data. Teams can also easily stay in contact thanks to effective collaboration tools. 

With productization, buildings are no longer one-off projects – a new, modular approach allows for both building elements and know-how to be reused across projects. This creates substantial savings in time and cost, improves quality assurance, and help realize truly sustainable buildings.

Click below to learn how we applied productization to our tower with the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform. In this episode you will understand the value productization can bring to your next project, and how it can benefit the Infrastructure & Cities sector as a whole.

The next revolution of the Infrastructure & Cities sector has a name: productization. This modular approach to construction reduces the risk of design errors and allows greater agility, customization, and sustainability in building projects.