Open source building alliance ecology : the Internet framework for consumer driven participative design

Abstract

Open Source strategies have become powerful tools for the development of innovative products in various industries (Von Hippel, 2006). Success stories in computer and clothing manufacturing signify that the adoption of Open Source practices may improve service standards and productivity (Clayton, 2001; Thomle & Von Hippel, 2002). Although Open Source strategies have been adapted in many design industries for satisfying customer demands in customized products, no one has successfully implemented an effective process for integrating Open Source into the building industries (Herbert, 1981, Larson et al., 2004). In an attempt to overcome many of the same barriers to product maturity such ineffective collaboration, lack of data management (Shah, 2003; Rothfuss, 2002), and limitations of product distribution channels, a new participative Open Source platform for transforming building design processes and economics is suggested (Larson et al., 2004). This thesis reexamines the basic assumptions of how building products are distributed through the Open Source environment.

(cont.) By analyzing the impact of e-Business and Internet technology driving community participation, the integration of (1) four online Business models: Dell, Open Source, iTunes, and eBay, and (2) the advent of mass- customization through the revolution of Internet technology, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) for architecture and architectural product design and development will be established. The results of this evaluation identify the effective factors for the Internet augmentation framework to achieve the usability of Open Source for the design-build housing industry, and reinforce the changing relationship between homebuyers, architects, and manufacturers prior to making a final housing product.