Gallery: Meet the Man Who Built a 30-Story Building in 15 Days
01identical-modules
The Instant Skyscraper ---------------------- Broad plans every step for construction speed, from how it designs floor modules to how workers load the trucks. __1// Identical modules__ The floors and ceilings of the skyscraper are built in sections, each measuring 15.6 by 3.9 meters, with a depth of 45 centimeters. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
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__2// Preinstalled fixtures__ Pipes and ducts are threaded through each floor module while it's still in the factory. The client's choice of flooring is also preinstalled on top. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
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__3// Standardized truckloads__ Each load carries two modules to the site, with the necessary columns, bolts, tools, and other peripherals to connect them stacked on top of each. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
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__Photo of Standardized truckloads__ Workers load modules onto trucks. *Photo: Noah Sheldon*
05instant-assembly
__4// Instant Assembly__ Each section is lifted by crane directly to the top of the building. Workers use the materials on the module to quickly connect the pipes and wires. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
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__Photo of Instant Assembly__ At the building site, cranes hoist modules up to be installed. *Photo: Noah Sheldon*
07snap-in-columns
__5// Snap-in columns__ Broad's design has aced 9.0-magnitude earthquake tests. The reason: this unique column design, with diagonal bracing at each end and tabs that bolt into the floors above and below. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
08a-smooth-finish
__6// A smooth finish__ In the final step, heavily insulated exterior walls and windows are slotted in by crane. The result is far from pretty, but the method is surprisingly safe—and phenomenally fast. *Illustration: Jason Lee*
