Low rise residential construction as the basis of building industry innovative development

Abstract

The article analyzes the current situation in Russian construction industry associated with the low innovation activity at all levels of construction sphere. Among the many reasons for the technological low innovative ability to technological change in construction industry, the authors outline reasons that might radically and positively influence the situation in domestic construction within the first half of the 21st century. The object of the study is the "construction system" concept, which is proposed to be identified as a main link of building innovations that promotes or, accordingly hinders construction objects production. When considering this concept, it becomes obvious that the critical link of innovation is concentrated in the concept of "structural framework" and related technologies for the production of construction objects. It is concluded that the main obstacle to the construction industry innovative development is the conservatism of building frames structural solutions and the corresponding technologies of the construction systems which are oriented to multi-storey housing construction and the main priorities of such construction are concentrated in mega-cities. The requirements for living environment, architectural diversity, residential building layouts, «green building» principles, energy efficiency, economy and internal comfort of housing are being raised. The paper emphasizes that existing building systems, especially in megacities, is not able to solve demographic problems and promote a healthy and safe life for people. The authors suggest that in the near future the turn to other priorities of housing construction and the transition to a new technological order with the help of industrial innovative low-rise residential construction systems for development of the Eurasian space of the country on the "linear city" concept base.