On November 12-14, the School of Architecture at Northeastern University will be hosting a workshop focused on volumetric modular construction. MOD X: Ecologies, Economies, Exchanges will bring together experts from Japan, Sweden, Poland and the United Kingdom with leading figures in the field from the United States to discuss key issues facing this new form of project delivery including how 1) manufacturers approaching the challenge of growing capacity and capability sustainably and economically in North America, 2) what innovative business models, product platforms, advocacy initiatives and regulatory frameworks from across the globe can tell us about the future of construction and 3) how have past, current and future public initiatives shaped the context within which volumetric modular is delivered in New York City and other American cities, among other topics. The workshop is a continuation of a research conducted by Associate Professor Ivan Rupnik and Washington State University Professor Ryan Smith in conjunction with the Modular Building Institute. It is also an outgrowth of a decade-long investigation of the changing role of the architect in offsite construction and the need for new modes of design pedagogy to support that role, facilitated through symposia and courses developed by Prof. Rupnik at Northeastern University. The event has been made possible through the support of the Hamilton Foundation.
Northeastern University students and faculty are welcome to attend a series of presentations and discussions on Tuesday, November 13, held at the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute:
9 AM
MOD X: Introduction
Ivan Rupnik and Ryan Smith
COUNTRY CASE STUDIES:
10 AM MOD X: Japan
Shuichi Matsumura (University of Tokyo) (via video recording)
11 AM MOD X: UK
Mila Duncheva (Centrefor Offsite Construction + Innovative Structures)
12:30 PM LUNCH
1:30 PM MOD X: Sweden
Susanne Rudenstam (SwedishTimber Building Council)
Helena Lidelow (Lindbacks)
3:30 PM MOD X: Poland
Ewelina Wozniak-Szpakiewicz(DMDModular)
For any questions regarding the event, please contact Prof. Rupnik: [email protected]