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566. Why Is It So Hard (and Expensive) to Build Anything in America?

Freakonomics Radio

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The Spectrum of Modular Construction

This chapter explores the innovative landscape of modular construction, detailing its efficiency advantages, historical context, and the challenges it faces in the American construction industry. It highlights notable projects, the impact of Operation Breakthrough, and the rise and fall of Katerra in attempting to revolutionize off-site building methods. Through comparative analysis with successful models in Sweden and Japan, the chapter emphasizes the need for a comprehensive shift in construction practices to address pressing industry issues.

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