At World of Modular 2014, the modular building industry’s largest convention, industry leaders will focus on Multifamily Housing, Green Building, Market Trends, Innovation and more. More than 600 developers, contractors, architects, builders, dealers and equipment/service suppliers are expected at the event, slated for March 21-24 in San Antonio, Texas, and hosted by the Modular Building Institute.
In the multifamily market, Tom Faraone with Banker Steel will discuss the B2 modular residential tower at Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, New York – the world’s tallest modular building. Banker Steel is fabricating the steel chassis for the mixed-rate modular apartment units in this innovative facility being developed by Forest City Ratner Companies and Skanska.
Another New York City apartment building, The Stack, is on the lineup. John Erb of Deluxe Building Systems will discuss this market rate seven-story Manhattan residential facility.
Sustainable design will be highlighted in additional multifamily case studies. Architect Tim McDonald with Onion Flats, a unique development/design/build collective in Philadelphia, will explain how builders can deliver not just net-zero, but beautiful and inspiring buildings during his talk, “Net-Zero Modular Construction.”
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 accomplishments, including the largest commercial modular Passivhaus project, and the first 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.
Other commercial housing presentations will include “San Antonio’s 21-Story Modular Hotel: A Modern Marvel Almost 50 Years Later,” Bill Roberts, Zachry Corporation, and “Feasibility Study: LEED Certification for Mining Camps,” Paulo Correa Labarca, Correa3.
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.
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.
