Design and Evaluation of Modular Prefabricated Housing for Urban Resilience

Thesis Abstract

The rapid urbanization and increasing frequency of climate-related disasters necessitate innovative housing solutions that enhance urban resilience and adaptability. Modular prefabricated housing has emerged as a promising approach due to its potential for rapid deployment, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in addressing diverse urban housing needs. However, there remains a critical gap in empirical evidence evaluating the extent to which such modular systems can contribute to resilient urban environments, particularly in the context of rapidly expanding cities facing ecological, economic, and social challenges. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a modular prefabricated housing system that enhances urban resilience, with specific objectives to assess its structural performance, adaptability to disaster scenarios, occupant satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. The quantitative component involves structural testing of prototype modules and resilience performance modeling using finite element analysis to simulate various disaster scenarios such as earthquakes, floods, and high winds. The qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders—residents, urban planners, and emergency response personnel (sample size 120 residents, 30 urban planners, and 20 emergency responders)—to gather insights into usability, social acceptance, and perceived resilience benefits. Data collection instruments comprise structural testing hardware, survey questionnaires, interview guides, and observational checklists. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of occupant satisfaction, and thematic analysis to interpret qualitative data. Key expected findings indicate that the modular prefabricated housing system demonstrates significant structural resilience under simulated disaster conditions, with a reduction in damage risk compared to traditional housing models. The system's flexibility facilitates rapid customization and scalability, leading to improved occupant satisfaction and community adaptation. Additionally, environmental assessments anticipate substantial reductions in material waste and energy consumption during construction and operation phases, contributing to sustainable urban development. The study also identifies critical design features and policy recommendations that enhance the integration of modular housing within resilient urban planning frameworks. This research contributes novel empirical evidence to the discourse on urban resilience by systematically evaluating the mechanical, social, and environmental aspects of modular prefabricated housing. It advances existing theoretical frameworks by integrating resilience theory with sustainable design principles and flexible architecture paradigms, providing a comprehensive model for resilient modular housing development. The findings are intended to inform policymakers, architects, urban planners, and stakeholders interested in scalable, resilient, and sustainable housing solutions capable of responding to contemporary urban challenges. The main conclusion of the study underscores the potential of modular prefabricated housing to serve as a resilient urban infrastructure component by mitigating disaster impacts, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting sustainable practices. Recommendations emphasize the adoption of standardized design protocols, incorporation of resilient features in building codes, and targeted policy incentives to facilitate widespread implementation. Future research directions include longitudinal studies on post-occupancy performance, cost-benefit analysis of large-scale deployment, and integration of innovative materials to further enhance resilience and sustainability. This research thus provides a comprehensive framework for advancing resilience-oriented modular housing as a vital strategy for contemporary urban development.