Conceptual framework of the evolution and transformation of the idea of the industrialization of building in Japan

Previous studies speculate on the implications of the industrialization of building (IB); however, there is no clear consensus on its definition. The implications of IB are assumed to be differentiated by its social, economic, and technological contexts. A conceptual framework is proposed to describe the implications through issues embodied in the idea of IB. Categories of issues within the framework are: prerequisites related to introducing innovative methods, manufacturing technologies, production technologies, functionality and life cycle management, organizational management, supply chain maturity, purpose and motivation, and constraints. How effectively the conceptual framework describes the evolution and transformation of the idea of IB is examined using case studies in Japan. Following on from previous research, six types of idea of IB are specified. These are: IB embodied in prefabricated houses in the 1940s, mass construction-oriented IB, component-based IB, mass customization-oriented IB, platform-oriented IB and service providing-oriented IB. A conceptual framework is offered that explains these types of idea of IB. The relevance and discontinuity of issues associated with each type of idea of IB are discussed. Similarities and differences in descriptions provided by the framework effectively illustrate the process of the evolution and transformation of the idea of IB in Japan. It is concluded that the proposed conceptual framework is an effective method for describing the idea of IB in specific contexts.