Industrialized construction is about more than economy and speed—it is about expanding what is possible.

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) is a process and strategy that brings owners, designers, builders, and manufacturers together from concept through operations. By integrating these perspectives early, project teams can optimize design, fabrication, construction, logistics, and long-term project outcomes.

In this kickoff session, ZGF Architects’ Nat Slayton will present a deep dive into the Portland International Airport Main Terminal expansion.

With only limited windows in which active airport taxiways could be obstructed, off-site manufacturing and assembly became a critical part of the project strategy. These considerations influenced the project from concept through handover.

One of the project’s defining elements—the approximately nine-acre mass-timber roof—was assembled off-site and divided into 18 large roof cassettes. The assemblies were then transported across the airport and reassembled over the active terminal.

The presentation will explore how DfMA, prefabrication, logistics planning, and collaboration across the project team helped make this ambitious approach possible.