THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA: EMBRACING PREFABRICATION

Abstract

Prefabrication technology involves the off-site production of building components for on-site assembly, offers significant potential benefits for developing nations such as China, India, Africa, and many regions of South America. This technology promises to enable the rapid and cost-effective construction of homes, addressing acute housing shortages driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth. However, the widespread adoption of prefabrication poses challenges particularly concerning the preservation of cultural heritage, the fostering of community cohesion, and the reliance on a limited number of skilled workers. This paper uses India as a case study to examine the benefits and drawbacks of prefabrication in this context and provides recommendations for how architects from affluent nations and regional building experts can integrate cultural and technological considerations to promote sustainable development.