A blended approach to concept transfer: Building platform-based Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)

This paper explores what a blended approach to construction-specific adaptation of manufacturing concepts might entail by focusing on two approaches that have recently gained considerable popularity in construction research and industry uptake: Product Platforms and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). Efforts to introduce product platform and DfMA approaches into building design and construction have had mixed results, both only finding niche, rather than broad, practical uptake. This paper argues that construction, with its ‘peculiarities’ and strong contextual basis, can benefit from developed understanding of both concepts in unity. Such a blended approach encourages engagement along the building value chain driving value from customer approach to end of life, potentially facilitating more widespread implementation. A case study of an Australian, volumetric, off-site building company is used to explore what a ‘blended’ product platform– DfMA approach in construction might entail. The product platform becomes a key strategic mechanism for enabling tactical DfMA guidelines and design processes to emerge, specific to a company’s operations, technical systems, location, or building typologies delivered. Conversely, the development of a company-specific DfMA provides the targeted use case for the implementation and refinement of platform-based working methods. This blended approach to concept transfer potentially also offers a new lens through which to examine other successful manufacturing concepts, so that they might be tailored specifically to construction’s supply chain interactions and future professional roles.