International Modular Construction Convention Comes to San Antonio, Texas in March
(PRWEB) February 19, 2014 -- At World of Modular 2014, the modular building industry’s largest convention, expert speakers will discuss best practices research, lean construction, pod components, the latest innovations, passive house, LEED, net zero and much more. More than 600 developers, contractors, architects, builders, dealers and suppliers are expected at the event, slated for March 21-24 in San Antonio, Texas, and hosted by the Modular Building Institute.
At the current time, delegates are registered from the US, Canada, the UK, Korea, Australia and Turkey – including representatives from six of the 20 largest general contracting firms.
Professor Mohamed Al-Hussein, Chair of the Industrialization of Building Construction Department at the University of Alberta’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Hole School of Construction, will discuss “Why ‘Greener, Faster, Smarter’ Isn’t Just a Slogan.” Al-Hussein will share how his research toward revolutionizing traditional construction processes by using industrialized methods is well underway and producing results like more energy-efficient buildings, healthier environments for workers and occupants, higher quality products, reductions in construction costs and time, and better design.
Professor Ryan Smith from the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Utah will examine “Best Practices in Permanent Modular Construction.” Supported by Oxford Brookes University and Edinburgh Napier University, Smith is conducting global research into the performance metrics and associated environmental, organizational and technological factors that contribute to successful permanent modular construction projects.
Though modular construction is generally considered to be sustainable because of reduced construction waste, several speakers will focus on how modular can be taken to the next level of green.
Leading commercial Passivhaus design builder Adam Cohen, of Passiv Science, will examine “Market-Rate Passivhaus Construction: Myth or Reality?” Having compiled an impressive set of firsts, including the first Passivhaus public school, university student center, dentist office, church, commercial kitchen and college dorm, Cohen will discuss potential opportunities and challenges for modular builders and end-users alike.
To put modular construction in a larger context, several speakers will discuss market trends and globalization. Sage Policy Group Economist Anirban Basu will offer a Market Forecast. Ethan Cowles of FMI Corporation will examine “Market Drivers and Trends in Modularization and Prefabrication,” focusing on how modular construction will play an increasingly vital role in improving the productivity of the entire construction value chain. Jim Dunn and Evan Gould from Stack Modular will present on “Opportunities and Challenges of Globalized Manufacturing.”
On the innovation front, keynote Troy Hazard, a television host and entrepreneur, will talk about “Embracing Innovation & Evolution.” Paul Bonaccorsi of Intelligent Offsite will discuss the growing use of “pods” by traditional general contractors who are incorporating this offsite phenomenon into what would otherwise be a 100 percent site-built project. Rob LaCosta from PCL Constructors will present on “Automation in Modular Construction.” Chris Giattina from Blox will discuss “Harvesting Manufacturing Productivity into Design & Construction.”
Find out more about the other industry experts speaking at World of Modular and why it is a must-attend event for anyone interested in networking with industry leaders and learning about the speed, efficiency and sustainability of the modular process.
For press passes, please contact Catherine Adkins at catherine(at)modular(dot)org.
About MBI
Changing the Way the World Builds: Greener, Faster, Smarter. The Modular Building Institute is the international nonprofit trade association that has served the modular construction industry for 30 years. Members are suppliers, manufacturers and contractors involved in all aspects of modular projects -- from complex multistory solutions to temporary accommodations. As the voice of commercial modular construction, MBI expands the use of off-site construction through innovative construction practices, outreach, education to the construction community and customers, and recognition of high-quality modular designs and facilities. For more information on modular construction, visit http://www.modular.org.
Tracey Daniels, Modular Building Institute, http://www.modular.org, +1 (434) 296-3288 Ext: 152, [email protected]
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