| Abstract: | The manner in which buildings are constructed in Japan differs significantly from the United States. My intention here is to discuss flexibilities in production. These flexibilities exist in three chief areas: Original contracts and documents are more schematic, responsibility for document production and detailing can be shared with the contractor, and manufacturing is structured in such a way as to allow for greater customization. The opportunities that emerge as a result of these differences offer a provocative challenge and critique to current U.S. architectural practices. |
