The customary narrative
associated with prefabrication in architecture re-counts many histories of simple,
easily assembled, intelligible component-based building systems capable of
being deployed in multifarious contexts. Modular structures related to open
planning such as post and beam skeletal structures or more complex truss
structures offered a new potential for total flexibility dissociated from
traditional load-bearing mass-based systems. The streamlined use of modular
systems was advocated by the generative links between military production and its
technological transfer for civilian use. This is evident in projects such as the
AIROH house in Great Britain or the Lustron home in America. Housing was an
outlet for conserving military capacity during peace times. Further, architects put to work for the
military as designers, draughtsman, architects learned of industrialization’s
potential to renew the discipline’s acquiesced building strategies.
Military and
industrial imagery percolated architectural semantics. The relationship between
architecture and military bridge building is an interesting starting point to
compare modern architectural imagery to military know-how. The Bailey bridge in
particular showcases a type of kit-of-parts variable building system. Sir
Donald Bailey adapted the portable componentized bridge kit in the 1940s
from the Callender-Hamilton Bridge System patented in 1937. The simple box
panel system consisted of steel triangulated members attached by gusset plates
forming rectangular truss components for panels and deck systems. The basic
components of the bridge kit were fully standardized, mass produced and fully
interchangeable. Each sub-assembly had to be lightweight, portable by military
trucks and erected rapidly for military establishment. The main load bearing
side trusses 10’ long by 4’9” high could be assembled in a single layer or
doubled to achieve greater spans.
The bridges
modularity and triangulation certainly relates to certain modern skeletal-based
housing structures. Charles Eames’ component based case study house #8 makes a
compelling argument and influenced many nascent architects. Craig Ellwood's
Frank Polly Pierson house from the early 1960s is a crude example of
bridge-truss typology percolating architecture. The house uses a truss as the
basis of a box frame system. Certainly not a refined link between architecture
and bridge building, it does manifest modern architectures fascination with military
production.
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| Above: Frank Polly Pierson House - Below: Bailey Bridge components |
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