Welcome to an insightful conversation on the future of campus infrastructure with Camille Faivre, an esteemed expert in education management with a focus on innovative solutions for higher education facilities. In the post-pandemic landscape, Camille has been instrumental in guiding institutions through modern challenges, and today, she shares her expertise on modular construction—a game-changer for student housing and beyond. Our discussion dives into the practical advantages of this method, from cost savings and rapid assembly to quality control and design flexibility, while exploring its growing role in meeting the evolving needs of universities.
How would you describe modular construction in the context of building student housing for colleges, and what sets it apart from traditional methods?
Modular construction involves building sections of a structure, like dorm rooms or apartment units, in a factory setting before transporting them to the campus for assembly. Unlike traditional stick-built construction, where everything is done on-site from the ground up, modular units are pre-fabricated under controlled conditions. This approach cuts down on weather delays and allows for tighter quality checks. Universities are turning to it because it’s often more affordable and faster, addressing urgent needs for housing without breaking the budget.
What do you see as the biggest advantages of using modular construction for campus housing projects?
The benefits are pretty significant. First, it can save a lot on costs—sometimes up to 30% compared to traditional builds—because of streamlined production and less on-site labor. Speed is another huge plus; for instance, a 100-unit building can have its main structure up in just seven days. Design-wise, modular isn’t just cookie-cutter anymore. It can be tailored to blend with a campus’s historical aesthetic, ensuring students still get that unique university experience even in new builds.
Can you explain how modular construction impacts the long-term quality and maintenance of these campus buildings?
Absolutely. Since modular units are built in a factory, they’re subject to strict quality control that you don’t always get on a traditional site. You’ve got the same team repeating tasks with detailed checklists, so errors—like missing plumbing parts—are far less likely. For facility managers, this translates to fewer headaches down the line. Issues that might crop up in stick-built structures due to inconsistent workmanship are often minimized because of that controlled environment.
Could you walk us through the process of assembling modular units once they arrive on a college campus?
Sure. Once the units are delivered, they’re typically stacked using a crane, kind of like giant building blocks. After they’re in place, workers connect the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. For example, electricians just hook up the main feeder to a central panel since the internal wiring is already done. Plumbing connections are straightforward too, often just linking short sections between units vertically. It’s quick, but challenges like aligning units perfectly or dealing with site logistics can arise, so planning is key.
What are some of the business models or strategies that modular building manufacturers tend to follow?
Manufacturers generally take one of two paths. Some build every part of the unit from scratch in-house, controlling the entire process. Others operate more like an assembly line, outsourcing components—like wall panels or bathroom pods—to specialized makers, then putting it all together. Think of it like car manufacturing, where parts come from different suppliers. This can impact cost and customization; assembling pre-made parts might be cheaper, but building from scratch offers more control over the final design.
How important is oversight during the manufacturing of modular units for ensuring a successful campus project?
Oversight is critical. Having a representative at the factory to monitor production ensures the units meet the client’s standards before they even reach the site. It’s like a hands-on partnership—checking that every detail, from materials to finishes, aligns with the plan. This kind of involvement catches issues early, saving time and money during assembly. While not every project might need this level of attention, for complex or high-stakes campus builds, it’s a smart move.
Looking ahead, how do you envision modular construction shaping the future of higher education facilities?
I see modular construction becoming a go-to solution as costs continue to drop with more universities and manufacturers refining the process. Beyond housing, there’s potential for classrooms or labs, though that’s still mostly in discussion at the college level. The economics are pushing this trend—rising material costs and labor shortages make factory-built options appealing. It’s about controlling variables in a manufacturing setting, and I think we’ll see broader adoption as a practical answer to campus growth challenges.
What is your forecast for the role of modular construction in higher education over the next decade?
I’m optimistic. Over the next ten years, I expect modular construction to expand significantly, not just in housing but in other campus facilities as technology improves and more institutions see the value. Costs should keep decreasing as best practices spread, and we might even see innovations like sustainable materials becoming standard. With the ongoing need for affordable, quick solutions to accommodate growing student populations, modular methods could redefine how campuses are built and maintained.
