DFAB HOUSE: implications of a building-scale demonstrator for adoption of digital fabrication in AEC


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Date

2021

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry finds itself in an accelerating shift towards the use of more digital fabrication (DFAB) technologies. DFAB promises great advantages in AEC, but its adoption is so far lagging and there are few examples of building projects employing DFAB at scale. To facilitate DFAB adoption, we need to identify its challenges and opportunities of in the project context and understand its implications beyond project boundaries. To do this, this paper conducts a single case study on DFAB HOUSE, the first project to introduce several fundamentally new DFAB technologies to construct a fully functional building. Using Qualitative Content Analysis, we provide an overview of the challenges to consider and the strategies available to successfully adopt DFAB technologies in construction projects, establishing a socio-technical framework for DFAB adoption in AEC projects. We find that full-scale projects are an effective exploration method of DFAB in AEC, implementation at scale increases acceptance of DFAB in AEC, and projects are instrumental in establishing an emergent praxis of DFAB.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

39 (10)

Pages / Article No.

853 - 873

Publisher

Routledge

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Automation; Fabrication; Construction technology; Technology transfer; Technology management

Organisational unit

09624 - Hall, Daniel M. (ehemalig) / Hall, Daniel M. (former) check_circle
03356 - Grote, Gudela (emeritus) / Grote, Gudela (emeritus) check_circle
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication

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