The rise of smart buildings: architecture and technology

#What is a smart building?

In short, smart buildings use technology to make the most of resources. In addition to helping to prevent waste, smart buildings are also designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their occupants.

IoT sensors, artificial intelligence and robotics make smart buildings possible.

How to take advantage of smart building technology

But how exactly does smart technology work? Here are some ways to upgrade your buildings.

• Automation – In smart buildings, core systems are connected together. IoT sensors and building management systems share information with each other, which can enable automation of heating, ventilation, lighting, air conditioning and even security to match the building’s usage patterns.
• Integration – Smart buildings aim to integrate data between systems to provide useful solutions. For example, by integrating IoT occupancy sensors with a meeting room booking system, it’s easy to let employees know which meeting rooms are free, in use, or booked.
• Space Optimization - As we all know, space is very precious. Smart buildings can help understand the scale of space being used. Using smart technology, it's easy to assess whether the number of meeting rooms is appropriate, see if public spaces are becoming overcrowded, and understand if workspaces are fit for purpose.

What are the benefits of smart buildings?

Smart buildings also offer a number of primary and secondary benefits.

• REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION – Closer monitoring of a building’s energy use and automated management can significantly reduce energy consumption and help businesses achieve their 2050 net zero emissions Target.
• Reduce costs - With energy prices rising across the board, many businesses are feeling the pinch. Smart buildings help identify and exploit opportunities to reduce expenses.
• Improve the health of the public and employees - When creating smart buildings, special attention is paid to layout, intended use, amenities and functionality when designing. All of this combines to have a positive impact on employees’ physical and mental health.

What to consider when building a smart building

If you want a smart building, you need to consider some things.

• First of all, you need to have a strong wireless infrastructure. Since smart buildings are built on a network of wireless systems, investment in this framework is required.
• Secondly, you need to start small and proceed step by step. While it’s tempting to equip all meeting rooms with IoT motion sensors, as well as smart heating and automatic ventilation systems, starting small and working your way up means each element can be nailed down before more are added.
• Finally, you need to ensure that the current building is suitable for renovation. If the building can be retrofitted, consider insuring the project with building insurance, including technology and cyber insurance.

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