An off-the-shelf design or a bespoke solution in collaboration with an architect; if you dream of your own house, well, those are your two options. But what if you could plan yourself how your dream house would look like, a bit like playing a computer game? Is it at all possible? Krystian Kwieciński, a Ph.D. student of the Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, is going to find out.

Mass customization combines the concept of mass production and product diversity in such a way so as to allow users to find exactly what they are looking for and at an affordable price. Companies across many industries around the world offer such possibilities. For instance, the customer can customize their shoes (choose the colors, material or embroidery) or “design” their own vehicle (by choosing the engine type, upholstery color scheme or dashboard style). There are also companies which allow users to pick the materials and finishing elements for their homes in the design process.

Krystian Kwieciński argues that similar tools could be used in end-to-end house design. An original, bespoke house design from an architect can be very costly, while a cheaper off-the-shelf design means making concessions. Even if you manage to find a proposal that meets the most of your relevant criteria among hundreds of others, there will always be something you would ache to change. And you have come full circle. Perhaps, in a few years’ time, we will manage to solve that issue, which gives nightmares to all who dream of their own house.

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WUT'S researchers work on a range of scientific topics which are explored in different areas and on a different scale. Often the outcome of these helps with the development of new technologies or everyday products to come into being.

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