panelsmust

Panelsmust is a term used in architecture and modular construction to describe a design philosophy or guideline requiring that all major panelized building elements conform to a common modular standard. The concept focuses on panels that form walls, floors, ceilings, and façades, emphasizing uniform dimensions, compatible connection systems, and shared performance criteria such as fire resistance, acoustic performance, and thermal behavior. By ensuring interchangeability and predictable interfaces, panelsmust aims to accelerate fabrication, reduce waste, and enable rapid on-site assembly and disassembly.

The term emerged in professional discourse as modular construction gained traction in the 21st century. It is not an official standard but a descriptive guideline cited in design briefs, industry papers, and speculative frameworks to illustrate the benefits of standardization in complex builds. While panelsmust is applied differently across projects, its core idea remains the same: standardize the panel grid, connectors, and data interfaces to support cross-compatibility and scalable manufacturing.

Technical characteristics commonly associated with panelsmust include grid-based panel modules, standardized edge details and connection systems, and harmonized material palettes that meet predefined structural, fire, and environmental criteria. Digital tools, such as building information modeling (BIM), are used to manage data schemas, tolerance thresholds, and certification processes to ensure components from different suppliers fit together reliably.

Critics of panelsmust warn that over-standardization can limit architectural creativity and lead to higher upfront design costs. Proponents counter that when applied judiciously, panelsmust can improve efficiency, lifecycle performance, and adaptability in rapidly evolving construction environments.