Modular architecture (concept)
Introduction
We call modular architecture that architecture that is characterized by its versatility, its technology and its speed. It is an effective and easily controllable production system, in accordance with contemporary manufacturing characteristics, which offers a reduction in deadlines, price adjustment, optimization of resources and exhaustive and easily verifiable compliance with technical requirements. There are no aesthetic or size limitations, as long as a series of rules are met that are incorporated from the first moment into the space design process. The final result is a high quality product, designed with high energy efficiency standards and whose manufacturing has contributed to an environmental balance, since the generation of waste and polluting emissions is controlled.
History
Its original use is as a cargo container for maritime, air and land transportation; Its dimensions are then regulated to facilitate its handling and transfer. They are mainly made of Cor-ten steel, but there are aluminum and even plywood, reinforced with fiberglass. Inside, they are covered with an anti-humidity coating and the floor is almost always made of wood. Its useful life as a cargo container is 12 years, according to international regulations, therefore, millions of units are stranded in ports and warehouses occupying empty spaces.
When they became unusable, they presented a unique opportunity to obtain new construction solutions thanks to the fact that they are resistant, self-supporting and economical as a module and structural base of a construction system. Containers are therefore abundant, self-supporting, resistant and economical as a module and structural basis of a construction system. They are also modular, allowing them to be assembled in different ways. In 2001, the English firm Urban Space Management carried out the project called Container City I, in the port area of London. This consisted of a three-story building, which would cover an area of 445 m² intended to satisfy the housing need that existed in that place. The construction of this building only took five months to develop and 80% of the material used for its construction was recycled, finding here a very ecological solution for construction.