van Fjm Frans Gassel

Experiences with the design and production of an industrial, flexible and demountable (IFD) building system

The Dutch government encourages innovative construction by subsidizing cohesive industrial, flexible and demountable building (lFD) pilot projects. Industrial building concerns the process-related aspects of production. robotization, mechanization, automation, prefabrication, communication, etc. Flexible building involves products that are made in accordance with customers wishes and the possibility to make adjustments when the building is in use. FinalIy, demountable refers to the sustainability of the building. This paper describes the experiences relating to the design and production of a demonstration project (IFD Today) for an apartment building system on the Eindhoven University of Technology campus. A housing corporation had commissioned the design of an industrial, flexible and demountable building system for flats, on an existing foundation, the surface area and floor plan of which had to be adaptable during use. The current flats do not meet present requirements as set by the government and the occupants, and renovation is too expensive. The data was obtained through participation in the design team and close production monitoring. The paper focuses on industrial building. After monitoring the design and production process, the following conclusions can be drawn: • IFD building requires co-operation and a multidisciplinary approach during the design process. Essential issues to be considered during the design process are the tasks, choice of designer, design tools and the expected result. Design meetings must also be organized. • Due to the lack of a suitable model to calculate the production, operating, renovation and de mounting costs and the absence of a marketing plan, conventional designing solutions were frequently applied. • The steel structure and floor panels were mounted very quickly. This was in contrast to the outer walls, roof, fittings and finishing elements. • It is advisable to entrust one specific company with the responsibility for a number of production tasks, such as planning, making and checking the drawings, and allocating labor resources with regard to transport and safety.

A method for analyzing mechanized and robotized production processes on the building site

This article describes a method for analyzing mechanized and robotized production processes on the building site. The method is based on the theory of system analysis, which describes information, material and energy transformation processes. The basic diagram of the Worker-Equipment System was developed for this purpose. The concepts of mechanization and robotization are then explained, followed by the mechanization graph, possible mechanization phases, and the product and process development graph. Finally, future building site developments are indicated.

Working method to enhance end-user value for aging-in-place

We focus on finding the appropriate working method to enhance end-user value for aging-inplace. Older adults prefer to stay in their own environment and enjoy remaining independent and socially integrated. However, our current built environment is largely unsuitable for Aging-in-Place. The objective of this research is to test a working method for analyzing ADL (Activities of Daily Living), and to automate, robotize or mechanize those that are problematic. Novice designers (MSc students in Architecture and Building Services) analyzed an ADL by observation, and formulated observed problems and their elements. Secondly the students designed methodically an improvement. Thirdly, the newly designed solution was validated in an expert discussion. It appeared that by developing new concepts in a systematic way, end-user value gets in focus and is enhanced. This research gives more insight in teaching a symbiotic society where robotic application and human beings share the same sphere of living.