Lida Group has become one of China’s largest prefabricated building manufacturers through their innovative structural insulated sandwich panel system and integrated factory operations. We sat down with CEO Mu and R&D Director Wang to discuss their vision for transitioning construction towards sustainability at massive scale.

Q: Lida Group has had tremendous success over 30+ years. What prompted founding the company and choosing prefabrication as a model?

Mu: In the late 80s, rapid urbanization strained resources and conventional construction lagged demand. We saw an opportunity for future-proof building through lean industrialization. Sandwich panels emerged appealing due to strength, insulation and modular assembly allowing mass housing while minimizing waste. Our goal remains sustainably addressing China’s immense needs through prefabrication over generations.

Q: Where do you see opportunities and challenges ahead for modular construction in China?

Wang: Opportunities lie in replicating our single-family model vertically through mid-rise and high-rise apartments assembled off-site. This densifies living more affordably. Challenges remain establishing assembly sequences for taller buildings while maintaining speed. Lifting pre-constructed volumes requires innovations. Adapting our systems for rural and aging populations presents societal impacts too.

Q: How is Lida Group preparing technologically for these challenges?

Wang: Continual R&D optimizes our panelized components through computational modeling, material science and partnering startups. Advancements like additive manufacturing, mass timber and cementitious skins could revolutionize modular buildings. Digitally integrated “Smart Factories” streamline costs towards recyclable zero-energy structures erected autonomously. Our goal remains establishing modular construction globally as the sustainable norm.

Q: What policy support do you feel is still needed from the government to accelerate industrialized building adoption?

Mu: While government recognizes prefabrication’s role, policy incentives could speed transitions further. Subsidizing factory developments and training programs establish an experienced workforce nationwide. Streamlining approvals accelerates new integrated communities built modularly. Investing in next-gen materials R&D through public-private partnerships unlocks our sector’s infinite potential serving humanity sustainably.

Q: Where do you envision Lida Group and the future of prefabricated construction globally in 30 years?

Wang: If current research and scaling innovations continue, nearly half of China’s projected population may inhabit modular homes by 2050. Robust offsite construction sectors moreover emerge abroad addressing Asia, Africa and beyond’s foreseen urban housing crises. Advanced additive and autonomous systems may establish pioneering Martian colonies leveraging indigenous construction. Through constant betterment, our vision remains sustainably housing all through prosperous modular living.

This interview presented a glimpse into Lida Group’s ambitious yet achievable goals for revolutionizing Chinese and global construction through ongoing innovation at the forefront of industrialized building advancements. Their leadership suggests a bright future defined by modular solutions upholding humanity.

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