Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) offers advantages in quality, productivity, safety, and sustainability. However, adopting it in the real estate market is hindered by high costs and negative customer perceptions. Therefore, reducing costs while delivering value to customers remains a key challenge. Existing studies have largely emphasised production aspects, while strategic elements such as cost management and customer acceptance have received little attention. This study addresses this gap by developing a structured method that integrates elements of Target Value Design (TVD), Target Costing, and Value Engineering to reduce MiC costs while ensuring the delivery of customer value. Design Science Research was used as the methodological approach, combining theoretical foundations with practical validation through evaluation cycles involving industry professionals. The proposed method enables the systematic definition of customer-required value, supports cost and value management at the component level, and fosters stakeholder collaboration. In doing so, it contributes to the literature by providing a structured and replicable approach for applying TVD in industrialised construction contexts, while also addressing the limited guidance on component-level cost management and end-user value integration. Its application in a real case resulted in an estimated cost reduction of 6.88% while preserving prioritised value attributes. The results highlight both theoretical and practical contributions, facilitating the wider adoption of MiC in the real estate market. For society, the method helps deliver housing that meets user needs without significantly increasing prices.

Construção integrada Modular (CiM) é uma abordagem da construção que permite a entrega de produtos com melhor custo, prazo e qualidade por meio da industrialização e padronização. Entretanto, clientes podem solicitar customizações para atingir soluções inovadoras e valores desejados. Neste sentido, Plataformas de Produto (PPs) são recomendadas para fornecer variedade de produtos para diferentes demandas do mercado, utilizando sistemas de produção em escala. Implementações exitosas de PPs requerem que as estratégias de produção migrem do tradicional e dominante Engineer-to-order (ETO) para outras variantes. Porém, estratégias de produção distintas do ETO são comuns em outras indústrias, mas ainda pouco utilizadas na construção civil. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é levantar as diferentes estratégias de produção para PPs na CiM e propor diretrizes para sua aplicação na indústria da construção, focando na relação com fornecedores da cadeia de suprimentos. Para isso, foi realizado um Mapeamento Sistemático da Literatura, processo recomendado para coleta e síntese de evidências de tópicos de pesquisa ainda pouco explorados. Posteriormente, as informações coletadas na literatura foram discutidas com gestores de empresas que adotam a CiM, para proposição das diretrizes. Os resultados contribuem para a estruturação do processo de adoção da CiM por empresas incorporadoras e construtoras.

O Target Value Design (TVD) é um método que considera as restrições de clientes como fatores determinantes no processo de projeto, visando à maximização da entrega do valor. Há alguns estudos sobre o TVD no Brasil. No entanto, poucos objetivaram descrever a trajetória de sua implementação em empreendimentos do setor da construção civil nacional. A principal premissa desta pesquisa ressalta a necessidade da integração e colaboração entre as partes interessadas (PI), como fatores essenciais para orientar a implementação do TVD no setor. Seu objetivo é descrever a preparação para a implementação gradual do TVD no processo de projeto de um empreendimento de um laboratório de máxima contenção biológica (LMCB) no Brasil. Conduziu-se um estudo de caso de natureza exploratória e descritiva sobre o percurso e os desafios enfrentados na aplicação do envolvimento precoce das PI neste empreendimento, e as necessárias integração e colaboração de seus membros-chave. Esta contribuição sobre a implementação do TVD em um empreendimento nacional oferece como resultado lições aprendidas para futuras iniciativas, além de recomendações para superar os desafios da implementação do TVD no Brasil.

Social housing (SH) upgrade processes have the potential to reduce social costs, improve living conditions, and increase the satisfaction of dwellers. All stakeholders, especially end-users, should participate in such processes to identify needs and problems and evaluate proposals. The Living Lab (LL) approach is recommended to develop solutions in a real-life context, and collaboration among participants. Our study explores this to involve residents of SH in enhancing their neighbourhood, positively influencing their satisfaction with their living environment, and improving their quality of life. We pursued this objective by exploring participatory tools. We present co-creation activities to develop upgrade proposals for communal areas. From our analysis of these co-creation activities, important lessons are learned on resident engagement in social housing upgrade processes. Our contributions include a set of practical advice for conducting co-creation activities in Living Labs for social housing upgrades and a demonstration of how research organisations can utilise Living Labs to empower users in creating their social innovation projects.

Upgrading existing social housing (SH) requires user-centred participatory processes to promote values. Comparative case studies in Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK are presented. Living Labs (LLs) were conducted for the delivery of user values and to promote an informed decision-making process. Tools and LL activities were tested to engage stakeholders in the upgrading process, support the co-creation of solutions and address social and societal challenges. The main research aims were to facilitate SH upgrading processes focusing on the delivery of value for users, achieving end-user empowerment, as well as assessing participatory decision-making through LLs. Research goals were achieved in each case study setting. The evaluation of specific cases informed a conceptual framework and guidelines to facilitate upgrading through LLs in varied SH landscapes.

Restrições como prazos e custo geram grande impacto na qualidade dos produtos que são entregues pelas empresas construtoras. Na construção civil, a entrega de produtos com maior valor agregado por meio da elaboração do projeto muitas vezes esbarra em restrições determinadas pelos investidores e dificuldades impostas por um processo de desenvolvimento do produto fragmentado, onde os interesses individuais das partes dificultam a possibilidade de colaboração. O Target Value Design representa uma alternativa para uma gestão do processo de projeto que valoriza o processo de entrega de valor aos clientes e usuários finais. Porém, o setor da construção sempre apresentou resistência à adoção de inovações gerenciais. O uso de jogos e simulações auxiliam a superar essa barreira por possibilitarem vivenciar os efeitos da implementação destas inovações em um ambiente livre de riscos. O Marshmallow Game é utilizado para comparar o processo tradicional de gestão de projetos e o TVD. Através da Design Science Research, esta pesquisa visa realizar uma instanciação desta simulação com profissionais que possuem pouco ou nenhum conhecimento prévio sobre o assunto. Os seus resultados são satisfatórios, sendo a sua maior contribuição a melhoria de uma simulação propícia para introduzir de maneira simples e eficaz os princípios do TVD.

The Critical Path Method (CPM), the Last Planner System (LPS) and location-based methods, such as the Line of Balance (LB), are discussed extensively in the technical literature about schedules. However, no discussion exists focusing on the differences and similarities of these methods in terms of their use in different countries. Using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, this research compared three countries (Brazil, Finland, and United States) and the methods to evaluate both intra- and inter-country implementation to gain additional insights about their use. Results suggest statistically significant intra- and inter-country differences regarding how these methods are used, with a specific focus on mechanics in the countries, offering important information to address their various scheduling needs. The results reflect the current state of practice; engineering and construction managers should understand different ways of understanding scheduling. Such understanding can lead to more efficient communication with collaborators and when incorporating foreign teams in projects. The study identifies the need for further scientific explanation as to why these methods are used in the manner they are intra-country as well as adaptions made in inter-country relationships.

Over the years, construction projects have been developed and delivered through traditional delivery methods. However, traditional delivery methods have been considered ineffective to achieve the real project goals. Integrated and collaborative models, such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a delivery method based on relational contracts, has attracted growing interest in both academia and industry, but still scarce in Architecture Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Most prior research emphasized the identification of barriers and challenges to implementing IPD and few studies focused on developing strategies to overcome those constraints. A limited number of studies have addressed how to reap the benefits of IPD in AEC environments where collaboration between stakeholders is poor. This research investigates how to integrate IPD into AEC projects when collaboration is still limited. An “IPD Evolutionary Model” and guidelines for its implementation were developed for applications in such environments. Design Science Research was the research approach adopted in this study to discuss and evaluate the proposed model. The model emphasizes an evolutionary and flexible process for the IPD application in AEC projects. The model postulates the desirable and required IPD elements according to the levels of application difficulty, emphasising stakeholders' readiness for using it and the gradual introduction of IPD in such environments.

Resumo Habitações Sociais (HS), em geral, não atendem às necessidades dos usuários e aos requisitos de conforto, gerando insatisfação e necessidade de reformas e melhorias. Intervenções nesse tipo de empreendimento requerem colaboração entre diversas partes interessadas, os quais possuem diferentes perspectivas e objetivos. Esse tipo de iniciativa deve buscar uma visão compartilhada entre as partes no desenvolvimento de soluções e na tomada de decisão. Nesta pesquisa, a abordagem dos Living Labs (LLs) foi adotada como estratégia para desenvolver melhorias em habitações existentes de forma integrada e colaborativa. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo que objetivou identificar oportunidadesde melhorias em habitações sociais com o envolvimento direto dos usuários, pesquisadores e agentes públicos, durante a pandemia da Covid-19.Os resultados demonstram que a entrevista reflexiva, com o apoio de atividades complementares, foi uma ferramenta adequada não só para a identificação de oportunidades de melhoras, como para a criação de vínculo e confiança entre os participantes na primeira fase de implementação do LL.

In the current construction industry scenario, several constraints - schedule, scope, cost - impact the quality of products delivered. From the clients' and users' perspectives, there is a need to incorporate innovative methods for value management in the sector. Delivering products with more added value often runs into investor restrictions and difficulties imposed by a fragmented product development process, representing obstacles to collaboration among stakeholders, especially in the real estate context. These characteristics demand a proactive design process focusesed on value delivery. One of them is Target Value Design (TVD), which has emerged as a viable solution to solve the poor performance in construction. Most TVD applications reported are cases where the owner sets the goals based on the available budget and desired functionalities. This research aims to develop a TVD model adapted for real estate projects, specifically for products with units for sale. In this context, one single company combines different roles, acting as developer and contractor and being responsible for sales to final users. The market, and not the owner, defines the target value and cost. The study was developed in Brazil, where this arrangement is very common, but can provide insights into other countries with similar characteristics. For this purpose, this research adopted the Design Science Research (DSR) strategy, which seeks to explain, describe, explore, or prescribe solutions for real-life problems. Focus Groups technique helped to develop and validate the artifact through learning cycles. As a result, the research proposes a TVD-adapted model and guidelines for implementation in the real estate market.

Por años, los proyectos de construcción se han desarrollado y entregado usando métodos de entrega tradicionales. Sin embargo, esos métodos se han considerado ineficaces para lograr los objetivos reales del proyecto. Un modelo integrado y colaborativo, como la Entrega Integrada de Proyectos (IPD, por su sigla en inglés), un método de entrega basado en contratos relacionales ha atraído un interés creciente tanto en la academia como en la industria, pero aún escaso en Arquitectura, Ingeniería y Construcción (AIC). La mayoría de las investigaciones anteriores enfatizan en la identificación de las barreras y desafíos para implementar la IPD y pocos estudios se enfocan en desarrollar estrategias para superar esas limitaciones. Un número limitado de estudios aborda el cómo aprovechar los beneficios de la IPD en entornos AIC donde la colaboración entre las partes interesadas es deficiente. Esta investigación busca la forma de integrar la IPD en los proyectos de AIC cuando la colaboración aún es limitada. Se desarrolló un “Modelo Evolutivo de la IPD” y los lineamientos para su implementación para aplicaciones en tales ambientes. La Investigación en Ciencias del Diseño fue el enfoque adoptado en este studio para discutir y evaluar el modelo propuesto. El modelo enfatiza un proceso evolutivo y flexible para la aplicación de la IPD en proyectos en AIC. El modelo postula los elementos de IPD deseables y requeridos según los niveles de dificultad de aplicación, enfatizando la disposición de las partes interesadas para utilizarlo y la introducción gradual de la IPD en tales ambientes.

Abstract Housing transformations have been studied over time. Numerous Post-Occupancy-Evaluation (POE) studies reveal user-initiated alterations occurring in Brazilian Social Housing (SH). These transformations have specific objectives, such as additional space, refurbishment, and improvement, or upgrading. However, results of transformations are not always positive, and may affect dwellers’ well-being through losses in environmental comfort. A critical investigation using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method analysed forty-seven studies to understand what needs and requirements stimulate SH projects' upgrading and how transformations impact well-being. In addition, an in-depth analysis was made to assess aspects of environmental comfort, safety, design, layout and economic aspects that affect people’s well-being, and improve their quality of life. Results contribute to supporting upgrading processes of existing SH and to guide the improved design of new SH projects based on the desires and well-being requirements of low-income families.

Social housing (SH) upgrades involve multiple stakeholders with sometimes divergent requirements and needs. Collaboration and participative processes are essential to ensuring an appropriate value for users is delivered through social housing upgrades. Living Labs are user-centred initiatives where researchers, public and private partners, and users collaborate to develop innovative solutions in real-live environments. However, scarce research exists on how Living Labs may support the upgrading of social housing, and there is a need to explore what the challenges are that can be expected in this context. This paper discusses an integrative literature synthesis of housing upgrades developed within the context of Living Labs. Nine information-rich cases identified in the literature were chosen for in-depth examination. A living lab process was proposed based on the literature and activities and tools used in Living Labs were identified. From the challenges highlighted by existing studies, a series of recommendations to support the development of Living Labs in social housing upgrades was proposed. These should support Living Labs implementation initiatives in this specific context.

A realização de melhorias em conjuntos de habitações sociais pode impactar positivamente na satisfação, nas condições de vida, saúde e finanças dos usuários. Iniciativas, como Living Labs (LLs), promovem o desenvolvimento de soluções de melhorias centradas no usuário com a colaboração entre as partes interessadas. Esse artigo reporta os resultados parciais de um LL visando produzir soluções para a gestão de resíduos sólidos em um conjunto de habitações sociais. Cartas ilustradas foram utilizadas como ferramenta de mediação em um workshop para ideação de soluções junto a moradores. Os resultados indicaram que as cartas auxiliaram na compreensão das possibilidades de projeto e na condução do diálogo.

The Target Value Design (TVD) is a collaborative process where value drives the design process to achieve the client's expectations while maintaining the costs and schedule under control.Its application has been successful ing several construction projects, especially in the healthcare context.Applying TVD to the real estate context, however, can be challenging.This paper aims to identify links between TDV and the Living Lab (LL) concept which may potentially help overcome these challenges.LLs are usercentred initiatives that focus on developing innovative solutions through cocreation and collaboration among stakeholders in a real-life context.A review on existing literature was performed to identify how a LL approach can strength TVD in a real state context.The results present opportunities to synergize TVD and LL for a beneficial result.

Apesar da contribuição dos programas públicos de habitação na redução do déficit habitacional, as habitações populares geralmente falham em atender às necessidades dos usuários, além de apresentarem problemas construtivos e relacionados ao conforto. Esse cenário limita o desenvolvimento socioeconômico esperado, gerando custos adicionais aos usuários, como os relacionados à regularização, reformas e expansões. Este estudo faz parte de um projeto maior que visa a utilizar Living Labs (LLs) como abordagem para realização de processos de melhoria de habitações populares, ampliando a adequação das propostas às necessidades dos moradores. LLs são iniciativas de co-criação e de colaboração entre as partes interessadas (stakeholders), tendo o usuário como peça central para o desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o planejamento proposto e os resultados parciais obtidos no primeiro estudo de caso em um conjunto habitacional na cidade de Campinas. Detalhamos em específico a fase de compreensão do contexto local. Como resultado, este trabalho apresenta um modelo conceitual de uma implementação típica de um LL e contribui para a disseminação de iniciativas de fomento à inovação social em habitações de interesse social.

The construction industry is a major driver of economies. In Brazil, this industry is strongly dominated by the use of conventional construction methods by contractors, which, in general, employ low-skilled labor. On the one hand, with the increasing development of the housing market in recent years, the construction companies began to analyze the feasibility of the insertion of innovative construction systems, coupled with the need to increase competitiveness and to promote cost reductions efforts. But on the other hand, the implementation of these systems faces barriers such as cultural factors and lack of advice on how to manage this process properly. Additionally, the insertion of these systems is usually focused on short-term gains, meaning the neglect of aspects of the required integrated management related to their implementation. In this sense, there is an opportunity to explore how innovative technological systems should be inserted by construction companies. The research presents a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) focused on the management of technology insertion and innovation in construction companies. The results suggest that the analyzed documents are predominantly conceptual, or they mix concepts with techniques, and the theme is encouraging researches for more than thirty years, with a increasing intensity in the last ten years

Housing is fundamental to the welfare of people and society. On the contrary, housing may impose costs on users as regards their health and quality of life. These costs are not only individual but also social. Studies on the concept of social costs (SCs) related to living conditions of social housing (SH) are scarce, and the concept needs in-depth debates. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to answer the primary research question: What are SCs, and what triggers them? The research specifically aims to identify spatial design factors and construction details of SH, which may cause adverse impacts and social costs and affect households' quality of life. The SLR results are analysed and discussed concerning the major concepts of SCs and social impacts (SIs). The visual representation and organization of data contribute to detailed and in-depth conceptual discussions to understand the factors that can induce actions to improve SH design and upgrading of the existing stock. Most publications emphasise physical and mental health risks. Poor thermal conditions cause illnesses, and depression is prevalent in many housing developments putting pressure on public systems and their health services. Social unrest and family conflict can impose further costs on policing and social assistance. Housing conditions’ cause and effect are rarely detailed in the SC literature, which constitutes a research gap. New housing design, Upgrading or refurbishment initiatives should also effectively increase well-being, reduce environmental impacts, and ultimately contribute towards positive social and technological developments.

Os sistemas lean de planejamento e controle da produção baseados em locais, ou location-based (LB), vem sendo empregados no setor da construção em ampla escala. Além de suprir as lacunas dos sistemas tradicionais baseados em atividades, os sistemas LB apresentam, dentre outras vantagens, a geração de fluxo de produção. Dentre estes sistemas, destacam-se as linhas de balanço, o Location-Based Management System (LBMS) e Takt Production (TP). Estes sistemas buscam facilitar a análise dos cronogramas em relação aos fluxos de operações e de processos, sendo, portanto, considerados mais apropriados para obras com maior grau de repetição entre os locais. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o passo a passo de como o fluxo de produção pode ser obtido através da utilização dos sistemas LB. Para isso, apresenta-se um estudo de caso contendo 18 residências térreas unifamiliares. Os resultados sugerem que, além do fluxo de produção, os sistemas LB tendem a facilitar a análise do balanceamento de durações dos pacotes de trabalho, melhor otimização da mão de obra e dos fluxos de operações e processos. As principais contribuições deste trabalho são o entendimento, de forma didática, do processo de desenvolvimento de cronogramas, visualização e ajuste do fluxo de produção através do LB.