Collaboration in architecture is nothing new. However, collaboration between architects and manufacturers is a relatively modern partnership, beginning largely in the early 20th century as new forms of architecture demanded material innovation and new construction technologies. Contemporary trends like Art Deco, Art Moderne, and International style embraced principles of industrialization, and some architects, perhaps most prominently Walter Gropius, espoused the need for the “rationalization, systemization, and standardization” of architecture in an effort to emulate assembly line production without sacrificing individualism. This course will look at some of the history of collaboration between architects and manufacturers and examine the concepts of interchangeable parts manufacturing, collaborative alliances, and mass production and customization. It will also assess several case studies as well as provide tips for creating effective collaborations that can lead to innovation.


Learning Objectives

  • Assess the modern history of collaboration between architects and manufacturers and the differences between mass production and mass customization.
  • Evaluate definitions of collaboration and collaborative alliances and how they relate to architect-manufacturer collaborations.
  • Analyze ways architects and manufacturers can collaborate more effectively.
  • Examine case studies where architects successfully collaborated with manufacturers to innovate and implement products.

Prerequisite: Basic understanding of contemporary trends.