The UN-Habitat program estimates that by 2030, 3 billion, about 40% of the world’s population, will need access to adequate housing. This translates to 96000 accessible housing units every day. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) holds the promise of helping builders and developers meet the rising demand for housing. However, it represents a profound transformation for the building industry.

In this new episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Nizar Jegham, Advisory Director – Digital at WSP Middle East, is joined by Dale Sinclair Director – Head of Digital Innovation at WSP in the UK, and Hussam Ali, Director of Modern Methods of Construction at ROSHN Real Estate, one of the major developers in Saudi Arabia. The episode explores the potential of MMC and analyses the trends and drivers of its adoption globally. It also highlights the lessons learned from countries pioneering this transition.

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Discussion Points

01:50 – Introduction to MMC, DFMA and off-site and on-site manufacturing

06:00 – Drivers, enablers, and challenges of MMC adoption

08:40 – Lessons learned from the countries pioneering the MMC transition

13:01 – MMC adoption in the Middle East and the dynamics of adoption in the GCC

20:15 – The role of the government in supporting MMC adoption

24:20 – Criticism addressed to MMC

27:40 – Anticipating the future of MMC in the GCC region

Key Takeaways

• MMC combines offsite and onsite manufacturing, innovative construction techniques, and digital technologies to meet the demand for housing.
• MMC can make construction more efficient with a 20% anticipated savings in labour costs and between 20% to 50% in time savings, paving the path to a more sustainable construction industry.
• Countries like Japan, Singapore, and China have been pioneers in the adoption of MMC, driven by the need for faster and higher-quality construction.
• MMC requires a high degree of standardisation and repeatability, both are very prevalent in the Chinese market for example.
• The main drivers of MMC adoption are labor shortages, the need for faster construction, and the push for sustainability.
• In the Middle East and GCC, there is a gradual adoption of MMC, with major developers exploring its potential.
• The government plays a crucial role in supporting the adoption of MMC through regulatory frameworks, incentives, research and development, and collaboration.

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