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The flexible partition, one of the main components of the flexible housing schemes in West European countries exhibited a comparative technological lack. This research investigated the adaptability of selected commercial flexible partitions available in the North American market to residences since the most realistic way to influence the technological process was to start from the known products and developing them in an innovative direction. The consequences of the proposed sectoral transfer were seen as immediate and long term effects and categorized into three groups of constraints: legal, technological and marketing constraints. The context of evaluation was drawn, and the performance concept was used to form a set of evaluation criteria. Fifty partition systems were reviewed, characterized and mismatched portions were screened out. The analysis with thirteen selected partition systems suggested that the performances of most of them were above the level required for dwelling. The study showed that most of them were economically more feasible as compared to fixed gyproc partitions if life-cycle costs were considered. Since the study showed that the partitions were sound in technical terms, it recommended further studies to look into the matter of modifying them by introducing new materials which would cut down the unnecessary performances and might reduce the initial cost as well.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-124). / This thesis initially focuses on the development of the U.S. stick-built house. The material and construction methods of the structure remain simple and unchanged, whereas the non-structural elements offer an enormous variety of choices in materials and components as a result of the improvements in technology . In Chapter 2, a case study of the U.S. system suggests that the stick-built house has a great potential for self-help construction, with least subcontracting, rental of some special tools and equipment and the use of prefabricated materials. A comparison of the U.S. and Japanese systems shows that the Japanese system offers lesser potential for self-help . On the average, higher skills would be required in on-site assembly. Difficulties would occur in using members of different sizes and joining methods. Also, there would be less flexibility in future change of housing design. The author recommends greater simplification of structural members for production and construction methods in Japan. / by Yutaka Takase. / M.S.

Thesis. 1975. M.Arch.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. / Bibliography: leaves 188-189. / by Michael S. Harris. / M.Arch.

edited by Albert G. H. Dietz [and] Laurence S. Cutler. / Papers selected from 2 M.I.T. special summer sessions: Aug. 18-29, 1969 and June 16-20, 1970. / Bibliography: p. [253]-[255]