Reader Response summary

 Reader Response summary

The guidebook titled, “Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction” released by (BCA, 2017) explains about the features of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) – a construction method that heavily involves off-site construction. Construction modules that consist of several units, are manufactured in factories complete with interior finishes such as wall or toilet fixtures. The modules are then transported to the site and installed onto the building in a “Lego-like” (BCA, 2017) manner. In accordance to (Hwang, Ming & Looi, 2018), PPVC is unique as compared to other construction methods as construction is done parallel saving cost and time. PPVC has gained popularity worldwide due to this and universities campuses in the United States have adopt PPVC as a way to build dormitories or classrooms efficiently (Hwang et al., 2018). In Singapore, PPVC is main approach for construction. The Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) has been encouraging PPVC as the main form of construction in Singapore even making it mandatory for certain land parcels under the “Government Land Sales Program” (Hwang et al., 2018)

PPVC should be encouraged by the Singapore government due to its clean means of construction, high quality control and time saving advantages. However, critics argue that its high initial cost of construction could deter cities from employing PPVC as a construction method.

Despite the various advantages that PPVC offers, it does have its challenges as well. Kamali and Hewage (2016) states that high initial cost could be a reason why companies are not keen on using PPVC as a construction method. A large initial capital will be needed to source for suitable machinery and workers to run a PPVC manufacturing plant. In rich economy countries such as Singapore, companies have a large capital to be able to afford PPVC as a means for construction. However, for countries with lower economy, companies may choose to stick to traditional on-site construction methods due to cheap labour. The lack of experience professionals with experience in PPVC also could deter companies from employing the use of PPVC such as in China (Chao, Shen, Wei & Ye, 2013). 


References 

Hwang, B.-G., Shan, M., & Looi, K. Y. (2018). Knowledge-based decision support system for prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction. Automation in Construction, Vol 94. 

Building Construction Authority of Singapore (2018). Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction. 



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