In the centre are the physical elements: superstructure, envelope, fit out and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing).

Sully believes it’s this lack of considered collaboration, and the need to overcome such issues, which is ultimately responsible for the lack of government funding we’ve seen, despite long-standing acknowledgement of the problems..Things began to shift when the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), and some of the large industry players, began to talk about how we could start to work together to be more effective.

Bryden Wood’s efforts to develop P-DfMA processes and strategies utilising platform construction and manufacturing approaches have helped to facilitate an understanding of the ways we might achieve our desired goals.. P-DfMA and The Ministry of Justice.Bryden Wood’s previous work with the first iterations of platform construction for the Ministry of Justice formed an early step on the P-DfMA path.Trudi Sully was involved with the effort to bring manufacturing into that process as part of her work with the MTC.

She notes that the MOJ programme was a great kickstarter and remains a valuable reference point..When comparing construction’s journey to the evolution of other sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, we find clear examples of the progression that’s possible when shifting from a bespoke and artisan product, to a focus on standardised processes, mass production and mass customisation.

Although the construction industry often objects to such comparisons on the basis of being different, the fact is there are tremendous similarities.

In reality, we have much to learn from the other sectors who have progressed successfully down this path ahead of us.. Sully recalls that work on the MOJ project included a certain amount of culture shock, and says there was a chasm that needed bridging in order to bring together the fantastic capabilities of both the manufacturing and construction industries.The construction industry needs to shift its thinking towards recognising similarity and repeatability by using repeatable components to create unique systems.. Construction companies are already operating at 100% capacity or more.

Businesses aren’t competing for work, they’re trying to figure out ways to deliver all the work they already have, and how to deliver it with existing supply chain capacity and widespread skills shortage..This reality creates an openness to new approaches and will force change, but we need interoperability of data, collaboration, and repeatability to make it happen.. Our need to build will only increase as the global population continues to grow, and the amount of energy and technology infrastructure required expands as we head into the future.

The best incentive for industry-level change will come from owners, who are starting to understand the enormous financial costs of delays and disrupted schedules more than ever before.And when owners make certain decisions, the supply chain will follow.. To learn more about our Design to Value approach to design and construction, sign up for our monthly newsletter here:.