George Street towers, Croydon


Happiness, we find beauty in the things that embody our values. MMC’s clean lines and systematic approach reflect a society striving for order, resourcefulness and environmental consciousness — qualities that resonate deeply today.


The rise of modular expressionism


Some architects are now pushing modularity into expressive territory. Modular doesn’t have to mean rectilinear — with the right engineering, modules can be angled, stacked, and offset in ways that generate dynamic compositions.


For instance, Modular Matters’ project for the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Architecture employs stacked volumetric modules arranged with playful asymmetry, creating a sense of movement and modernity. Similarly, The Greenford Quay Build-to-Rent development by Tide Construction demonstrates how façades can be articulated through subtle variation, creating depth and interest.


Globally, projects like Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) “8 House” in Copenhagen and Kengo Kuma’s modular timber pavilions show that modular thinking can yield bold, sculptural forms when paired with visionary design intent. These projects suggest that modularity and artistry are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.


Rewriting the narrative


Part of modular design’s aesthetic evolution is about storytelling. The construction industry — and those who write about it — have an opportunity to reshape the narrative around MMC. The old vocabulary of efficiency, productivity, and


standardisation, while accurate, undersells the emotional and cultural potential of the method.


There’s poetry in precision. There’s artistry in assembly. And there’s human creativity in the way architects and engineers collaborate to make something repeatable yet unique. Each module, each panel, becomes a verse in a larger composition — one that reflects the possibilities of modern craſtsmanship.


This narrative shiſt matters, not only for industry insiders but also for public perception. As more communities experience well-designed modular developments that enhance their surroundings, the “boxy” stereotype will fade. Instead, modular construction may come to represent progress — the architectural language of a forward-thinking, sustainable Britain.


From kit to culture


What’s happening with modular architecture mirrors a broader cultural trend: the appreciation of designed systems. Just as consumers have learned to value the precision of a Tesla or the elegance of an Apple product, so too can people learn to admire the sophistication of a factory-built home. The notion of “kit culture” — where objects are designed to be assembled, customised, and enjoyed — has deep emotional appeal.


The modular home of the future might be as much a design object as a dwelling. Buyers could choose façades, layouts, and finishes from a curated palette, much like customising a car or smartphone. The result is a new kind of personal expression, where individuality emerges from within the system rather than outside it.


Towards a new architectural language


As the MMC movement matures, it may well develop its own architectural language — one that acknowledges its industrial roots while celebrating craſtsmanship and beauty. This could mean façades that reveal structural logic rather than conceal it, or interiors that highlight the tactile honesty of engineered materials. It could mean buildings that are flexible, reconfigurable, and designed for disassembly — expressing sustainability through their very form.


Ultimately, modular design invites us to rethink what architecture can be: not static monuments to permanence, but adaptable frameworks for modern life. In doing so, it reflects the realities and aspirations of our age — efficiency, adaptability, and a deep respect for resources.


In summary


The story of modular architecture is no longer about proving that offsite construction can match traditional building for quality or aesthetics — it’s about showing how it can surpass it. When design, technology, and manufacturing align, the results are not merely efficient; they’re elegant.


So perhaps it’s time to retire the old clichés about “flat-pack homes” and “identikit boxes.” The real innovation lies in seeing modularity not as a limitation, but as a creative discipline in its own right — one that merges art with industry, and beauty with precision.


In the hands of inspired designers, the box is no longer something to think outside of. It is, at last, something to celebrate.


Autumn 2025 M37 19


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