Digital fabrication in Brazil and the possibilities of paradigma shift in the building sector

Abstract

This paper analyses the possibilities brought by new digital technologies, architectural design and production for a paradigm shift in the construction sector. The methodology proposes to use evolutionary economy theory, which sees innovation as a key agent for paradigm shifts, to visualise the connections between existing firms in the current paradigm and the connections that could be established for a new production paradigm through digital fabrication. In order to do this, the role of the university and its innovation potential will also be analysed, both to develop product technology and to contextualize the technology being imported into a regional context, developing an emancipatory production process for the construction industry.

Keywords: Building construction; Digital fabrication; Evolutionary economy theory; Sectoral innovation system