Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. Modular construction offers a systematic yet surprisingly expressive building method. While we often think of standardized, interchangeable elements as limiting when it comes to achieving a rich architectural language, their underlying logic is much like that of Lego building blocks: simple, stackable, and endlessly repeatable. However, Legos also speaks to creativity. While repetition and simplicity are the foundation of modular construction, this system can potentially extend far beyond structural composition. In educational settings, in particular, modular construction also proves to be pedagogical, supporting programmatic clarity and creating flexible, stimulating spaces that promote effective education and adapt to the evolving needs of schools. The projects presented here show that modular design is a versatile framework capable of supporting diverse architectural languages, from timber-and-steel hybrids to concrete cassettes, regional wood systems and mass-timber kits of parts. These examples illustrate that when modular construction is thoughtfully combined with other building methods, it can produce an architecture that is rich in form, material and identity while streamlining construction timelines, reducing waste, enhancing performance and maintaining effective cost control. Modular construction is an effective building solution that enables schools to adjust to the rapidly changing student populations typical of fast-growing and densifying communities. It allows for the expansion or replication of a model with minimal disruption while preserving a cohesive architectural identity. Finally, these examples show that modular schools are just as capable as traditionally…
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