The history, advantages, and disadvantages of component building systems are discussed. Application of the scientific method to the building industry forecasts the use of prefabrication and on-site erection of factory-made subsystems of buildings. Educational facilities in the United States, Canada, and England have made use of many different…

A history of prefabrication in Britain from the first Victorian innovations in wood, glass, and cast iron, through the developments of the inter-war years and the buildings of the immediate post-war period to the 'system building' of today is presented. The study is not confined to houses and flats but examines the influences of non-traditional…

Basic information and guidelines on the use of URBS components are provided for use by architects and engineers. The URBS system was developed in response to the competitive bidding on performance specifications, incorporating user requirements, economic constraints, industry capability and trade practices. The essence of the URBS Project--the…