Self-assembly

Self as a prefix has some references from the old English group for self-will and most probably relates back to the Greek auto of the same meaning. In English today it usually refers to objects, most commonly pieces of furniture (but also whole houses) that are sold in a kit form with instructions and can be put together by the purchaser. Often also referred to as flat-pack because, disassembled the component parts can more easily (and cheaply) be packaged and transported flat.

In more technical construction terms PAS 1192-2:2013: Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling (BIM), defines assembly as: 'Group of components or types to enable the reuse of standardised design or specification elements improving productivity of design and delivery as well as providing a location to hold specifications and lessons learnt in a simple and useable way. They may hold benchmark data for cost and carbon impacts. The contents of assemblies may themselves have attributes and classifications. These properties may include key data which is attached (to the object) for use once it is placed into a model and may include cost, CO2, programme, maintenance and other key information.'

In terms of design and construction, self-assembly maintains a close connection with other terms such as self-build, do-it-yourself, kit house, package housing or community building.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Assembly area.
• Assembly and recreation definition.
• Assembly building.
• Assembly drawing.
• Custom build home.
• Design for deconstruction.
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
• Disassembly.
• Factory-made housing.
• Flat pack.
• Kit house.
• Modular buildings.
• Modern methods of construction.
• Pre-assembly.
• Off-site construction.
• Plug and play skyscrapers.
• Pod.