PREFABRICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR LOW-COST HOUSING : AN APPROPRIATE MODEL FOR KOLKATA

Abstract

At the heart of this dissertation lies the subject of architectural technology’s relevance to the housing shortage in Kolkata, India. It sets out to compare three levels of manufacture in prefabrication- manual production, semi-industrialized production and total industrialized production. A partial prefabrication model using semi-industrialized production is predicted to be most suitable. This hypothesis was formulated through an understanding of similar and alternative views put forward in existing literature where arguments referred to cost, labor, facilities and so forth. Further readings, case studies, discussions and interviews with industry players, including a short field trip, led to a detailed conclusion tailored to Kolkata’s industry. A holistic structure drove the evaluation through parameters of cost, time, quality, labor, transport, customization and environmental consequences. The scope here is limited to prefabrication construction methods, though many other issues should be addressed for low cost housing in the realms of technology, planning, society and politics, all of which require consideration in improving the livelihood of those for whom architecture must not be an exclusive profession.