It seems that modular construction, at least in New York City, has been something of a colicky baby. Consider the following hopeful-trending-hopeless headline and article from CURBED NEW YORK: Modular Construction In New York City, Once the Future, Is Fading.
As it turns out, however, the fading future has arrived. And it’s not quite as gloomy as the CURBED article foresaw in October 2016 — when the above article’s was published. The article is actually well worth a read — explaining some of the unexpected pitfalls as developers grapple with new and hopefully more affordable construction techniques.
Like all kinds of new technologies, modular housing has had its teething difficulties even as its advocates have hyped (and still hype) its benefits to the heavens. This seems to be pretty standard for new technologies of any sort (think driverless cars). Another current example of a possible construction industry affordable future? Check out the super-hype, next-to-no-delivery phase 3-D printable housing1.
With all kinds of ingenuity being applied to create different methods of modular construction, there are undoubtedly many wrinkles to be smoothed out as the technology matures. As for today’s assessment of tomorrow’s future for modular housing in New York City, it appears to be positive once again. Read more in Multi-Housing News: NYC Firm Awarded $70M To Build Modular Housing Community
