Exploring the implementation of digital fabrication in construction: Combining system approaches and a revelatory case study from Switzerland

Abstract

Digital fabrication is an innovative method for realizing architectural design. However, its implementation is still limited in real projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the relationships between various implementation barriers of digital fabrication. Taking the Swiss construction industry as the empirical setting, this research comprises a mixed method of systematic review, multicriteria decision analysis, and a single revelatory case study. The systematic review identifies initial barriers to digital fabrication, the DEMATEL-ISM approach investigates barrier relationships, and the case study of the DFAB HOUSE interprets the barriers. The findings include the categorization and interpretation of 16 barriers from economic, technological, organization, personal, and policy dimensions, and reveal the unique challenges of integrating hardware-based digital fabrication technologies, involving both physical and virtual transformations. This research offers insights into how different barriers interact, impact digital fabrication implementation at project and industry levels, and guide industry stakeholders in driving innovations in digital fabrication.