Future Building Initiative
Applied research with built environment industries: innovation, commercialisation, collaboration
The way we develop, design, produce, and operate buildings is about to undergo a radical change. This change will usher in a new chapter for the building sector, transforming the traditional industry as we know it.
The Future Building Initiative sets itself at the forefront of R&D activity in this sector-wide transformation project. Working collaboratively with its national and international consortium of leading industry and academic partners on applied research projects, the Future Building Initiative plays a critical translational role between research and industry.
Led by Professor Mathew Aitchison and supported by a team of interdisciplinary practitioners and researchers, the Future Building Initiative is based at Monash University, and jointly hosted by Monash Art Design & Architecture and the Faculty of Engineering.
A key part of this project is to conceptualise and implement a more industrialised approach to building; an approach that will more fully utilise emerging opportunities in technology, advanced processes, and the latest thinking.
The Future Building Initiative’s broad thematic interests include:
- integrated digital platforms for building design, development, production, and operation
- advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- advanced materials and systems
- digital and automated fabrication technologies
- mass customisation
- business innovation, incubation, and commercialisation
- built environment policy and regulation
- education and training of future building professionals
- environmental performance of the built environment
- affordable housing
- housing development models
Future Living System
Developed by our researchers, the Future Living System is a real-scale prototype apartment with an 80sqm footprint, constructed from a range of prefabricated and modular elements.
This prototype was developed in a collaboration with Lendlease and The Innovation in Applied Design Lab at the University of Sydney (Design Lead, David Tapias Monne).
Future Living System
In addition to being more sustainable, the prototype is also adaptable, meaning that future residents can take advantage of small spaces by configuring their homes based on their changing needs.
Future Living System
The prototype represents phase one of an ongoing research project investigating the potential of new adaptive living systems.