Productivity and the Iranian building industry: a case study of component manufacture

This study is concerned with the issue of building industrialisation in Iran. It focuses on the formulation of concepts and policies that are based on the local construction industry. The aim is not to identify which system or technology it is more appropriate to adopt, or to propose ready-made solutions, but rather to identify a set of 'practical' recommendations. The problem we are addressing is that: Despite repeated failure, industrialised production of building has been seen as the only solution to solve the increasing deficit in residential building since 1951. Decisions often continue to be based on the assumption that the traditional building process is inadequate and must be replaced with 'mass housing', using advanced technology and industrialised methods. The core of this research is based on field surveys, literature studies, and participant observation and experience and, is presented to support the following hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 is concerned with the nature and organisation of the local construction industry: There is a two-tier building industry in Iran: the traditional/conventional (T/C), and the modern sector construction industry (CI), with a rather weak relationship between them. A lack of recognition for this unique structure may result in the total demise of the traditional sector. This study argues that 'industrialisation' is only one method of improving productivity, and that productivity can be improved in the context of the local building industry, regardless of technological change. The study argues for the mass production of, building components, rather than 'mass housing production'. Hypothesis 2 is concerned with the improvement of productivity and appropriate building industrialisation, based on local potentials: One of the appropriate ways to increase productivity in the building industry in Iran is by rationalising the design and process of building with the gradual introduction of lightweight, loose-fit, low technology building components in a process of 'componentisation'. This dissertation sets out to understand the nature of the construction industry in Iran and its socio-economic environment. It attempts to discuss the specific problems affecting its sustainable development and to identify the different ways open to the industry to increase its productivity. The potential role of 'componentisation' is examined by primary interviews, a field survey and follow-up interviews. The 'two tiers' of the industry are examined by separate studies of the structure and organisation of the T/ C and CI sectors. The major arguments raised in the course of the study and the two hypotheses are examined in a final recapitulation, leading to conclusions and recommendations.