Zhao, Y (2021) Modernizing log construction system: A study on technology advancement and design strategy. PhD thesis, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
As a primitive timber construction system, Log construction has been modernized in developed countries like Switzerland. However, the topic is still underestimated with an evidence that the systematic study on log construction’s modernization is inadequate. The thesis focuses on “modernizing log construction system” , explores targets of the process and relevant approaches, including both technology advancement and design strategy. The research regards patent as the most effective data source for technology advancement and has built up a database of 163 patents relating to log construction, with an aid of FileMaker Pro. Based on a systematic analysis on the collection, Chapter II demonstrates that certain level of modernization can be achieved through technology advancement, i.e. “improving performance”, “saving lumber” and “increasing efficiency”. The patented technologies are categorized according to the constructional logic, namely “material-processing-assembly”. Chapter III examines the data from two different ways. The first one is from method to target, different technologies are classified. Another reverse direction mainly uses purpose of “improving performance” to identify the most relevant technologies. The two-way studies indicated that performance can be improved by applying some advanced technologies alone; however, the correct implementation of some technologies must adopt an integrated design strategy; when integrated design strategy is in conjunction with traditional techniques, the performance of the building product can reach to certain level to fulfil modern requirement. The end of this chapter includes diagrams illustrating above approaches for a reference. Chapter II also uses a case database to investigate the architects’ practice and uncovers three critical periods: the early modernization in 1920s by the German architects represented by Konrad Wachsmann, then the comprehensive modernization period commencing at the early 1990s by the Swiss architects represented by Gion A. Caminada, followed by a diversified development in the last decade. Log buildings designed and built by Gion A. Caminada in Vrin village exemplifies the excellence of practice. After upgrading the traditional craft of log construction to meet with the contemporary living demands in Graubünden hilly areas, Caminada has achieved three targets: “improving performance”, “breaking through stereotyped expression” and “responding to local context”. Taking the three ends reached by Caminada as the criteria for case examination and selection, his Stiva da Morts, Peter Zumthor’s Luzi House and Leis Houses are selected as the cases for the study on design strategy. Chapter IV and V expounds the two architects’ strategies together with their applied technologies, and demonstrates that the success of the projects result from a united application of the two approaches.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Tsou, J Y |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | efficiency; timber; architects; Switzerland |
| Index terms: | implementation, upgrading, developed country, database, evidence, efficiency, strategy, timber construction, Switzerland, construction system, architect, design strategy |
| Subjects: | performance management, Geography, management, design practice, strategic management, design methods, data management, evaluation and assessment methods, development economics, building construction, contractual arrangements, profession |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Quality Management, Procurement, International Construction, Engineering Principles, Design Practice, Geographical Context, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here