In an answer to a recent question we see a plan for many space stations as part of a space infrastructure, with a surface-to-low-Earth-orbit reusable shuttle as another part. This shuttle eventually turned into what became the space shuttle. As far as I understand, the initial design specified a cargo bay 12 feet wide and 40 feet long. Due to involvement of the Air Force this was changed to a design with 15 feet width and 60 feet length.
Looking at the modules of the ISS we see that many modules have a diameter of 4 meter or more (12 feet = ~3.6 meter). Also many modules where launched by the space shuttle.
Assuming the smaller shuttle with a smaller cargo bay would have been built and used, I guess space station modules with a maximal diameter of 12 feet would have been kind of an issue (think of this image but with 1 meter less space).
Would have these planned stations be built in the same way the ISS was built, by sending up -smaller- modules with a shuttle to be linked in space, or by sending smaller parts (walls) with a shuttle? Or were there other means of getting these stations up planned?