Dwell Discussion on PREFAB with Editor Amanda Dameron & architect Joseph Tanney

Dwell put prefab back on the mind map 12 years ago when we explored an “old” idea with innovative design minds eager to iterate a classic mid-century idea. Since then prefab has been innovated and evolved by smart designers the world over, and we return to it again and again because it is engages the hearts and minds of our readers and designers with the solutions it puts forth. It is a topic that people are drawn to with such zeal and interest because it inspires us to think of what is possible, and reminds us how beautiful prefab can be.

Dwell’s Editor-in-Chief Amanda Dameron and architect Joseph Tanney of Resolution: 4 Architecture, discuss America’s love affair with prefab (and our frustrations). A common complaint is the cost of residential prefab, which can be very expensive, but it is being used as an efficient housing solution in urban and rural environments. We see it being utilized in their Hudson Yards proposal as an energy-effective and cost-effective building method for low-income city high rises. We even see some retailers like Ikea coming to market with low-cost prefab solutions for the housing market. We also see it very successfully in high-end designer homes, for people who love perfection and truly modern architecture.

This year’s issue covers a disparate selection of architectural forms that illustrates the huge range and history of prefab. The issue includes a personal tour of Jens Risom’s house on Block Island, a fresh, fashionable spin on Moshe Safdie’s Habitat ’67 and a renovation on a historic home in Berkley. It also looks at the evolution of prefab including the next generation of concrete block construction being used in South America. Joseph Tanney’s newest project is also featured and will be a main talking point of the evening’s discussion.

We hope you will come and join us for a fun discussion and libations at the new WeCross space.