Requires an initial round of funding to create a functional prototype and set the agenda for a full scale product release.
The IC system presents a simplified method to make low rise buildings using off the shelf technology.
The invention is primarily in logistics which reorganizes the process of building bypassing entrenched standard practices of isolated inefficient tradesman, engineers, consultants, and even architects.
Far simpler DIY-level logistics result using simultaneous system thinking and dramatic cross system assemblies - the same kind of thinking found in any common multi-system product like in producing an automobile.
Building is repositioned to a new starting place which presents progressive modern possibilities for every metric of the building process.Its major power is socio-economic progress in construction presenting a kind of political power to build that strips away layers of embedded inefficiencies and corrupted processes remaking the human conditions of construction which result in greater fairness, integrity, ubiquity, inclusion, safety.----- a new democratized opportunity for anyone to build modern and to build with far more efficiency and economy.
Progress today in building is really not anyone's specific agenda as the fixed nature of construction trades prevents it unless some completely new system arises. There are some new systems- 3d printing of buildings, for example. Its technological value is a novelty but its practical value appears to be minimal. Technological newness is such a driver that entrepreneurs almost ignore affordability or even rational results. Progressive technology is important in the IC system, but doesn't consume the process nor does it lock out the vast majority of us by its cost or lack of application and distribution. The IC system aims to create a new ubiquitous system very much derivative as it charts a path that starts with much existing construction infrastructure but progressively moves all facets of the construction process to the most efficient means and methods advantaging anyone who aspires to build affordably with relevance to the pressures acting on construction today such as sustainability or resource management. However, Its immediate advantages are aimed at users offering adaptable construction with no demolition or destructive processes - to build and unbuild is the same effort, reconfiguration as a planned and predictable event,
automatic cost management due to its incremental nature and, in general, building is far simpler, cheaper, and faster due to low skill low risk installations.
Harmon Architecture is the creator of this new building system and is a 20+ year practice in the Boston area. With degrees in architecture and civil engineering and a long interest in patenting products (holding 2 product patents in the construction industry) , David Harmon has positioned this practice to pursue comprehensive AEC solutions in the logistics of making buildings.
(Other facets of the IC program are presented
here. )