Fundamentally, “technology” is a system of organization. Industry’s fundamental  function is to use technology to turn nature into a resource for efficient use.  Modern technology, then, lets us isolate nature and treat it as a “standing reserve” — that is, a resource to be stored for later utility. 

The sophistication of a technology is correlated with how many systems-of-organization it effectively blends. New technological wonders, like smartphones,  are instruments that reflect a tall stack of complex sub-technologies (cell  communications transmitting on FCC radio frequency allocations, lithium-ion  batteries powering efficient processors, LED screens, operating systems, HTML protocols, document-object models… all combine to support the web application on a smartphone). In contrast, contemporary framing hammers are instruments supported by a shorter stack of technologies (lumber harvest supplying  standardized milling, fasteners distributed to hardware stores, and span tables  calibrated to structural engineers’ training). 

Myriad technologies already support today’s US offsite industry (Modular 1.0).  Some are common to the full AEC industry (like the Eisenhower Highway System with flat-bed trucks, Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Level of  Development specs (LOD), and the AIA Contract Documents with PDF-based file exchange). Other technologies are unique to Modular 1.0 (like special-purpose  modular lifting cradles to interface with existing hoist machines, and special-purpose manufacturing project management software to aid productized  construction). 

This Roadmap offers unprecedented organization. It represents the key technologies needed to unlock unimaginable efficiencies in US Construction. Contributors to the Roadmap (listed below) span wide-ranging interest categories including manufacturers and builders, but also standards users,  designers, consumers, public interests, and regulators. Each contributor brings  expertise and represents their field’s interests in organizing the Roadmap.

Each technology listed stands atop the technologies we use today. They are not separate, but integral to the way we do business, and change the built environment. 

The difference is in scale. Each new technology empowers tech deeper in the stack. These technologies allow all actors to do more, with less. To design more, with less paperwork. To build more, with less administrative hassle. To enjoy more craft, and less preparation. To finance more homes, at lower  price points. 

The following technologies organize an CTO marketplace. When integrated, all stakeholders will unlock immeasurable efficiency, sustainability,  and value. An early-mover advantage grants outsized profits to those who craft  these infrastructures, for others’ use.