Abstract
The digital transformation is enhancing capabilities of managing complexity and flexibility within both the manufacturing and the building industries. These enhanced capabilities drive toward a common adoption of the mass customization method as an efficient industrial approach for the architecture, engineering and construction sector.
In this essay the authors would discuss the hypothesis whether the digital transformation in manufacturing and the building industries could merge their vision and activities toward a common mass customization method.
This hypothesis is discussed through a short selection of best practices and proofs of concept from the scientific community and personal research activities. The short selection investigates whether a combination of advanced manufacturing systems, computational design and digital fabrication techniques may unlock mass customization applications in off-site or on-site production of components and building elements such as facades.