In China, a novel construction method has been successfully employed, culminating in the rapid assembly of a ten-story building in only 28 hours and 45 minutes. This innovative system, known as industrialized modular construction or 'Live Building', shifts a significant portion of the construction process to manufacturing plants, where components are pre-assembled, allowing the construction site to act as an assembly point. This approach promises to revolutionize building efficiency and reduce construction time dramatically.

The engineering feat was accomplished by the Chinese company Broad Group, which has specialized in modular steel structures for years. The building was completed in 2021 using prefabricated modules that arrived nearly finished, complete with electrical and plumbing installations pre-integrated at the factory. The initial fabrication period took approximately 15 days, which is crucial in allowing the final assembly to be completed in just over a day. The assembly on-site involved three cranes and over 100 workers, maintaining a pace of nearly three floors constructed per hour.

This significant advancement in construction efficiency could have far-reaching implications, not only for China but for the global construction industry as a whole. Given the increasing demand for rapid and cost-effective building solutions in various regions, adopting such modular construction techniques could expedite housing projects, commercial buildings, and infrastructure developments worldwide. As cities strive to meet housing demands and tackle project costs, concepts like the 'Live Building' may offer compelling solutions.