Individualized standardization as the overarching principle in the context of planetary boundaries

To drive forward a fundamental change in the construction sector to achieve environmentally friendly progress in the construction processes, one promising approach is the synchronous implementation of the three main drivers technology, construction, and design. The key to this transformation is end-to-end digitalization. Our approach aims to achieve a new architectural quality by linking digitized design tools, ecological and environmentally friendly concepts, and serial production processes. Against this background, two research projects were advanced to enable adaptive prefabricated systems based on combined additive manufacturing. Two case studies illustrate the research results. In the first, a digital assessment tool is being developed to improve planning processes. With the tool, standardized yet adaptive constructions can be evaluated according to their sustainability impact in an early design phase. The second approach focuses on delivering a customized material composition realized with additive manufacturing methods. In an automated co-extrusion process, the dimensions and building-physical quality of story-high wall panels (floor-to-ceiling) can be adapted to individual requirements. The optimum balance of standardization vs individualized building solutions will introduce a novel flexibility for the architectural design process as well as a higher production efficiency. This strategy of individualized standardization is based on integrative collaboration and visionary research.