INTRODUCTION ‘These notes on Modular Coordination in the Buldable Design Appraisal ‘System are produced as part of BON Buldablty Series. ts objective is to introduce designers to the concept of modular coordination and its benefits, At the same time, it gives some practical advice on the application of modular coodiation using actual projects as examples. “he recommended madiules in these notes take into consideration the reed fo flexibility in design and the sub-nodule has been introduced ‘orthis purpose. AS modular coordination becomes more widely practied ‘nthe local industry, these notes maybe revised athe recommendations willbe reviewed to achieve a higher level of modular coordination that Wil benefit the building industry. Background Nodular Coordination was first explored as an aid to design shortly after te introduction of prefariation in the consteution industry in the industrialised nations. Tt was conceived as a further step inthe development of systematic design and construction of buildings. This subject has been discussed and attempted in actual bulding experiments in practically every developed country. At present, he actual application (of Modular Coordination varies in efferent countries. For Scancinavian counties andthe Republic of Ireland, i has become an essential tol {in their building design and construction. Nodular Coosdination was fist stdied in Singapore when metrcation was introduced, in the early seventies. The Housing & Development Board implemented the concept in 1973 in the new generation flats Through standavistion, it had to some extent solved the problems faced by the construction industry then: material shortage in steel, cement, tinber ad slynood, manufacturing delay and abour shortage, especialy the shiled labourers such as carpenters and plasterers Prefabricatin and standard components were subsequetly introduces. Modular blocks and bricks wer introduced in 1983. There are merits to ‘extend the use of Modular Coordination in other components as wal a2 _____Basis Of Modular Coordination eduaeCoonnation i exsetily based on (2) the use of modes (basic module, mult-modules and sub-module); () reference yet t define coordinating spaces and ones fo busing ‘ements ard fr the components which form then: (© rales for location of buising elements within the reference system; (@) es for szng bung comport nero deterire ther work sos, (6) rules for defining preferred sizes for building components and coordinating dimension for buildings. Benefits Of Modular Coordination Modular Cordination is 2 useful design too that provides modern design Principles and rules which combine feedom in architectural planning and free choice of construction methog, with the possibilty of Incorporating standadies modular components in the projec. When applied throughout the industry, it brings the following benefits (2) beter coorination and cooeation beeen varus prtesin constuction: (€) reduction indesign tine, especially withthe use of standard deta {nd dimensional cordinaton: (6, benefits rough the increased use of Computer Aided Design and Dating (@) reduction in manufacturing and installation cost; (6) reduction in the wastage of materials, ine and manpower in cutting and trimming onsite (9, facltating pretabiaton. [As nthe case of introducing a new machines, designers who intend to ‘apply the Modular Coordination principles must els that it would require ‘onsierable effort and cecipine andthe process may nat be pleasant, atleast inital, However inthe lng tem, iis Ukely to pay of whan ‘the tool is understood and used effectively: moreso if implemented ‘voughout the indust. — —F Coordination