College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
9-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Eric Brinkman, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
As universities experience increasing enrollment and housing shortages, student housing projects require efficient delivery methods capable of meeting strict occupancy deadlines while minimizing disruption to active campus environments. This research investigates the influential drivers behind the utilization of prefabrication on an ongoing student housing project at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The seven-story project consists of 417 student beds and incorporates repetitive layouts and prefabricated building components. Through qualitative interviews with key project stakeholders involved in early decision-making and field execution, the study examines how project objectives, construction constraints, and delivery considerations influenced the decision to implement prefabrication. Findings identified schedule acceleration, reduction of on-site construction activity, labor considerations, and repetition in modular construction as significant drivers. The study also revealed challenges associated with the project functioning as a prototype, including greater upfront design and coordination requirements, regulatory oversight, and limited standardization. Findings suggest that the value of prefabrication extends beyond schedule acceleration and depends on how the delivery approach responds to the specific conditions of the project. Overall, this case study provides insight into the factors influencing prefabrication utilization within higher education student housing projects.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/1017
Poster Board