A forum is to be set up to develop prefabricated building components in line with the Egan agenda.
It will bring together architects and manufacturers, and is to be launched at the RIBA on 24 June. It marks the evolution of the institute's product design group into a cross-industry body.

The aim of the group, which will be called Product Innovation in Architecture, is to encourage product development, strengthen the building component industry and promote integration between architecture and manufacturing.

It is to be chaired by architect Irving Brauer. He said: "The Egan agenda addresses product innovation. A successful future for the industry lies within the manufacturing industries producing factory-made parts and assemblies for site installation. Architects can bring design skills and a broader view to this process."

Brauer said the forum aims to provide a practical service centre for building product innovation in the medium or long term. The Building Centre in London has offered to provide a secretariat.

Product manufacturers that have already indicated support include steel company Corus and ETFE foil maker Vector.