Richard Horden's Micro Architecture

I have a copy of Richard Horden's Micro Architecture (2008) in front of me - it is well worth looking at if you have an interest in the minimum, micro, XS, high-tech, prefabricated, simple, architecture. He is a insightful and thoughtful speaker if you get the opportunity to listen to a lecture. Also, his work with Horden Cherry Lee, the micro-compact home (m-ch) has been recently on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York - in the "Home Delivery" exhibition.

Of most interest is his work with Munich architecture students (TUM) - most of his published projects being collaborations between his practice and the academic studio - providing an exemplar for the design-build course and the resulting innovative outcomes.

Similarly, many of the five outdoor projects at the MoMA exhibition were the result of collaborations between academia and practice - thought-provoking innovative experimental prototypes. See www.momahomedelivery.org

Architecture Schools and Prefabrication

http://prefabcosm.com/blog/2007/07/23/prefabrication-laboratory/

check out what is happening at universities at austin, texas - similar to the interesting work at Studio 804, University of Kansas -

other schools are listed on the fabprefab website

consumerism

http://quixoticsloth.blogspot.com/2008/01/consumerism.html

An interesting comment on the relationship between consumerism and current green fab prefab - and my own comment pasted below.

The way I am looking at it, is to start with the excesses of consumerism (affluenza and McMansions) and propose a philosophy of simplicity (buy less and live in smaller houses), through prefabrication.The merits of prefabrication being proposed are of sustainability (time, cost and material efficiencies), affordability, and adaptability.Which in turn leads back to the idea of 'architecture as product', packaging / branding / marketing etc.Ironically, the ills of consumerism are spawning a way of looking at architecture (through prefabrication), and the final 'product' will use the positives of consumerism to wrap it up and make it more attractive to the general consumer market.I understand that the fashionability aspect of 'green' and 'fabprefab' can be off-putting to 'serious' architect - but I see this as all the more reason to take this 'trend' seriously. The architecture profession has typically shunned away from commerical (economically successful) prefabricated products - so this current international buzz is really exciting.

research thoughts

I am a postgrad masters (architecture) student looking at the relationship between the philosophy of simplicity and the use of prefabrication in architecture.

I am hoping to build up a strong case to put forward to advocate the use of prefabrication in an architectural, sustainable and ultimately affordable way.

I would be very interested to hear others' thoughts on these related areas, including:
- consumption
- simplicity
- architecture (as distinct to building)
- prefabrication
- sustainability
- affordability
- fabprefab (current international trend)