Kit-of-parts
Encyclopedia
Kit-of-parts Theory refers to the study and application of object-oriented building techniques, where building components are pre-designed / pre-engineered / pre-fabricated for inclusion in joint-based (linear element), panel-based (planar element), module-based (solid element), and deployable (time element) construction systems.
in a building into assemblies of standard easy-to-manufacture components, sized for convenient handling or according to shipping constraints. The construction
of the building is carried out on the assembly level as opposed to the raw material level. The architect
defines a parts library describing every major assembly in the building. The assemblies are conceived in a systematic way, based on certain rules such as increment, size, or by shape grammar
. Standard, simple connections between the assemblies are carefully defined, so the number of possible shapes and appearance the parts can take is limitless.
, and computer and information technologies. Handling multiple identical components as instances of a master element is an efficient use of the computer in the planning stage, and use of standard components can take advantage of mass-production and mass-customization manufacturing technologies.
• Modular – Systems and subsystems are designed such that discrete unit processes can be replaced with upgraded / enhanced technology as it becomes available.
• Extensible – Initial components and subsystems delivered with a structure or vehicle are not discarded or replaced as additional unit processes are added during subsequent stages of development.
• Scalable – Components and subsystems can be coupled / decoupled as required to accommodate specific design loads.
• Reconfigurable – Components and subsystems can be moved between locations and / or subsystems to perform a similar or identical function.
Construction
Kit-of-parts construction is a special subset of pre-fabrication that not only attempts to achieve flexibility in assembly and efficiency in manufacture, but also by definition requires a capacity for demountability, disassembly, and reuse. Kit-of-parts structures can be assembled and taken apart in a variety of ways like a construction toy.Architecture
Kit-of-parts architecture involves organizing the individual parts and raw materialRaw material
A raw material or feedstock is the basic material from which a product is manufactured or made, frequently used with an extended meaning. For example, the term is used to denote material that came from nature and is in an unprocessed or minimally processed state. Latex, iron ore, logs, and crude...
in a building into assemblies of standard easy-to-manufacture components, sized for convenient handling or according to shipping constraints. The construction
Construction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
of the building is carried out on the assembly level as opposed to the raw material level. The architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
defines a parts library describing every major assembly in the building. The assemblies are conceived in a systematic way, based on certain rules such as increment, size, or by shape grammar
Shape grammar
Shape grammars in computation are a specific class of production systems that generate geometric shapes. Typically, Shapes are 2- or 3-dimensional, thus shape grammars are a way to study 2- and 3-dimensional languages. Shape grammars have been studied in particular in computer-aided architectural...
. Standard, simple connections between the assemblies are carefully defined, so the number of possible shapes and appearance the parts can take is limitless.
Philosophy
Kit-of-parts philosophy goes hand in hand with advanced manufacturing, automationAutomation
Automation is the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization...
, and computer and information technologies. Handling multiple identical components as instances of a master element is an efficient use of the computer in the planning stage, and use of standard components can take advantage of mass-production and mass-customization manufacturing technologies.
MESR
Some engineering fields refer to kit-of-parts using the acronym MESR, which stands for the following:• Modular – Systems and subsystems are designed such that discrete unit processes can be replaced with upgraded / enhanced technology as it becomes available.
• Extensible – Initial components and subsystems delivered with a structure or vehicle are not discarded or replaced as additional unit processes are added during subsequent stages of development.
• Scalable – Components and subsystems can be coupled / decoupled as required to accommodate specific design loads.
• Reconfigurable – Components and subsystems can be moved between locations and / or subsystems to perform a similar or identical function.
See also
- E. Ambasz (Ed.). (1972). Italy: The New Domestic Landscape, Achievements and Problems of Italian Design. New York: The Museum of Modern Art.
- A. Allison (2002). PREFAB. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith.
- C. Davies (1988). High Tech Architecture. London: Thames and Hudson.
- I. Ebong (2005). Kit Homes Modern. New York, NY, USA: Harper Collins Publishers.
- S. Kendall; J. Teicher (2000). Residential Open Building. London & New York: E & FN Spon.
- R. Kronenburg (2002). Houses in Motion. Great Britain: Wiley-Academy.
- R. Kronenburg (2003). Portable Architecture. Oxford: Elsevier / Architectural Press.
- K. Kurokawa (1977). Metabolism in Architecture. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, Inc.
- T. Nakamura (ed.). (1988). Norman Foster 1964-1987. A + U Architecture and Urbanism, May Extra Edition.
- M. Pawley (1993). Future Systems: The Story of Tomorrow. London: Phaidon Press Limited.
- J. Siegal (2002). Mobile: The art of portable architecture. USA: Princetion Architectutal Press.
- W. J. Van Heuvel (1992). Structuralism in Dutch Architecture. Rotterdam: Uitgeverij Publishers.