Three winning strategies for smart building design

Smart building planning encompasses six key areas: connectivity, health and well-being, safety, power and energy, cybersecurity, and sustainability. While there are many details to work out during the planning phase, here are some quick tips to consider in each area: 

Smart lighting: Sensors can detect and trigger the control of lighting and can mimic the natural light progression of daylight. Brighter lights after lunch may be used to help workers focus, and soft lights in hospitals can help patients relax. An intelligent system can also shut off lights when employees have left the building.

Air quality monitoring: Buildings can be equipped to monitor and detect harmful air quality and adjust the ventilation if needed. Smart systems can also monitor when filters need to be replaced and have sensors to regulate outdoor air intake, providing the right balance of conditioned air for energy conservation and fresh air for ventilation.

Building security: Technology makes it easier for facilities managers to keep buildings safe. This includes access control systems like badge readers or alerts when certain doors are left open.

Predictive maintenance: Leveraging data, building operators can see indicators of potential problems and take corrective action before systems fail.

Optimized HVAC systems: An optimized system can reduce water flows as well as pump and fan speeds, significantly reducing expenses.

Intelligent parking: Cameras and sensors can detect when parking spots are available and send this information to drivers, directing them where to go. 

The design of smart buildings intersects with green buildings where resource-efficient models of construction include specific features, such as sustainable materials, renewable resources, green roof systems, improved acoustics, and clean indoor air quality. When designing a smart building, the green aspects can include concepts such as net zero, which strives to balance resource usage and production to reduce environmental impact. Smart buildings can create energy using solar panels, which absorb and convert the sun’s radiation into electricity and reduce the need for gas. 

Materials are being engineered to be smarter, stronger, sleeker, and easier on the planet. To keep a competitive edge, architects need to stay up to date on these material innovations. Buildings crafted with well-thought-out, intelligent materials will be better equipped to solve ongoing challenges, reduce their carbon footprint, and make an impact in the industry.

Smart building technology can diminish a whole host of building related health issues. Benefits include improving indoor air quality and reducing symptoms of asthma, respiratory distress, depression, and stress. Students in smart building schools have reduced absenteeism, higher test scores, and better overall academic performance. Patients in sustainable health care facilities have faster recovery times.