Blockkokojen

Blockkokojen is a modular construction concept used to describe a family of block-based building systems designed for rapid assembly and flexible housing. In the speculative urbanism canon, Blockkokojen units are standardized blocks with integrated service cores and connection interfaces, enabling configurations from single-family homes to mid-rise blocks.

Origin and etymology: The concept emerged in the late 21st century in the fictional city of Kestel, drawing on earlier modular construction traditions. The name combines “block” with a suffix from the regional language, signaling a collective of interlocking units.

Design and construction: Blocks are prefabricated off-site, with corner, edge, and module shapes enabling straight, corner, and courtyard layouts. They include built-in conduits for electrical, plumbing and data services, and standardized interfaces for wall panels and façades. Materials range from concrete composites to recycled polymers, with emphasis on low embodied energy and reuse. Building envelopes prioritize insulation and passive solar design.

Applications and variants: Blockkokojen are used in dense urban districts, disaster-relief housing, and campus development. Variants emphasize different ceiling heights, acoustics, and green-roof options. Planners value rapid deployment and modularity; critics warn about potential aesthetic homogenization and limitations on long-term adaptability.

Impact and reception: In the fictional canon, Blockkokojen influenced other modular systems and sparked debates about urban form, durability, and shared services. Proponents cite faster construction and lifecycle efficiency; opponents highlight risk of standardization and loss of local craft.