Conceptual framework of the evolution and transformation of the idea of the industrialization of building in Japan

Abstract

Previous studies speculate on the implications of the industrialization of building (IB); however, there is no clear consensus on its definition. The implications of IB are assumed to be differentiated by its social, economic, and technological contexts. A conceptual framework is proposed to describe the implications through issues embodied in the idea of IB. Categories of issues within the framework are: prerequisites related to introducing innovative methods, manufacturing technologies, production technologies, functionality and life cycle management, organizational management, supply chain maturity, purpose and motivation, and constraints. How effectively the conceptual framework describes the evolution and transformation of the idea of IB is examined using case studies in Japan. Following on from previous research, six types of idea of IB are specified. These are: IB embodied in prefabricated houses in the 1940s, mass construction-oriented IB, component-based IB, mass customization-oriented IB, platform-oriented IB and service providing-oriented IB. A conceptual framework is offered that explains these types of idea of IB. The relevance and discontinuity of issues associated with each type of idea of IB are discussed. Similarities and differences in descriptions provided by the framework effectively illustrate the process of the evolution and transformation of the idea of IB in Japan. It is concluded that the proposed conceptual framework is an effective method for describing the idea of IB in specific contexts.

Keywords:

• Economies of scale
• mass construction
• mass customization
• service provider
• supply chain management.

Notes

1. Here, ‘evolution’ implies gradual development, while ‘transformation’ means a compositional change.

2. Since its foundation in 1886, most active academics and leading professionals in Japan have been members of AIJ. The current membership of AIJ numbers about 35 000.

3. Figure 2 presents the number of shipments of members of the Japan Association of Kitchen and Bath and does not contain those of non-members. The sharp increase in 2004 includes those of new members of the Association. A bathroom module is used not only in newly constructed dwellings, but also in refurbished dwellings and accommodations such as hotels.

4. Previous studies use the term ‘mass customization’. The term is applied from a supply-side perspective. Considering the significance of a demand-side perspective, individual customization is also used here. Providing individual customization to each customer implies mass customization to suppliers.

5. NEXT 21 Experimental Housing Project in Osaka illustrates the open system theory of Yoshitila Utida (Utida, 2002; see also Kendall, 1999; Habraken, 2008),

6. The idea of modular coordination was already well established in conventional timber structure detached houses; therefore, the introduction of modular coordination was acceptable to practitioners (Kendall and Teicher, 2000; Utida, 2002).

7. TOTO is an industrial firm that began as a fabricator of ceramic tiles and sanitary wares. It is one of the largest FMCM in Japan.

8. Aggregation of data from asset securities reports of 50 companies.

9. For that reason, most houses constructed in Japan can be seen as industrialized buildings in the sense that considerable ^amounts of components and equipment of the buildings are factory-made pre-assemblies supplied by FMCM.

10. Hajime Kensetsu, the largest ‘power builder’, sold 7202 in 2012 (Hajime Kensetsu, 2013). The figure is almost equal nationwide to that for PHM.

11. In a sense, the implications for ‘power builders’ are considered to be similar to those for speculative builders in the UK.

12. It is aligned with the idea of open system theory created by Yositika Utida (Utida, 2002) and the two-stage house provision theory of Kazuo Tatsumi (Kendall, 1995).

13. For example, the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo launched the Comma House project with industrial partners to develop smart house technologies using an experimentally constructed house.