Urban Testing To determine if prefab was a viable urban development model, the design collective performed a schematic cost analysis of site built construction vs. wood frame factory built construction vs. adaptive reuse of steel cargo containers. Both the cost analysis results and the close proximity of a factory prompted the team to explore wood frame factory construction as the best option.
The design collective designed and built two modular prototypes to explore assembly and transportation techniques, to develop a design language, and to gain experience with local and state permitting challenges. The prototypes are prominently displayed on a roof plaza in downtown Seattle and tours of the units are offered to solicit public response to this new model of living.