Modular Building
Institute, the international nonprofit trade association that serves the
commercial modular construction industry, has released its initial slate of
speakers for the World of Modular trade show and convention, March 16-19,
2013, in
provided industry professionals with a place to network, exchange ideas, learn
from experts, discuss issues, display new products and receive recognition.
This year’s speakers include high-profile economists,
industry leaders and academics, who will discuss industry growth, trends and
technology, green building, lean construction, the integration of modular with
traditional construction, and more.
- Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc.,
will give an economic forecast for the construction marketplace. Basu, one of
the Mid-Atlantic’s most recognizable economists, consults for numerous clients,
including prominent developers, bankers, brokerage houses, energy suppliers and
law firms. - Michael Landry, managing director with FMI Capital Advisors,
will speak about his recent FMI white paper “Modularization and Prefabrication
Role Development and Evolution.” In the paper, FMI predicts that “modularization
and prefabrication will play an increasingly vital role in improving the
productivity of the entire construction value chain.” - Deke Smith, Executive Director for the Building Seismic
Safety Council and the buildingSMART alliance™ at the National Institute of
Building Sciences, will discuss “Using BIM in Modular Off-Site Construction: A
Natural Pairing.” Since BIM technology allows for an exact 3D model of a
building, assembly issues can be worked out prior to construction, allowing for
greater architectural sophistication in modular projects. Smith will present
the latest advancements in the facilities industry as well as report on the
progress of the National BIM Standard – United States™. - Ryan Smith, an authoritative voice on modular design and
construction, and director of the Integrated Technology in
at the University of Utah College of Architecture and Planning in
examine “Permanent Modular Construction Best Practices.” Smith is the author of
Prefab Architecture, the leading manual for the architect and construction professional
on prefab architecture. - Sandra Stannard, Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly San
Luis Obispo, will speak on sustainable building and energy efficiency, focusing
on the development of climate responsive modular housing in “A Modular
Alternative: Responding to Climate.” Through passive lighting, heating and
cooling design strategies, along with composting toilets, water catchment
systems and modern solar technology, these homes could be off the grid or even
contribute energy to it. - Mark Taylor, Vice President of Permanent Modular
Construction for PCL Constructors Canada, will discuss “Integrating Prefab and
Traditional Construction.” While modular construction may not be suitable to all
construction projects, integrating it with stick-built projects can save costs
while improving the construction schedule and energy efficiency.
World of Modular is an open forum for anyone interested in
the modular construction industry. To learn more, or to exhibit or attend,
please visit World of Modular.
