Smart technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in homes around the world. In the UK alone, there are 2.22 million smart homes in the UK. Similarly, businesses and organisations are now actively installing smart devices and networks to increase the productivity and enjoyability of their workplaces, with the value of the global smart office market set to rise from $31 billion in 2020 to $90 billion in 2030.
Architects can no longer ignore the spread of these solutions and are now incorporating them into their plans. Smart technology allows architects to design more efficient and sustainable buildings, as well as provide aesthetically pleasing spaces with improved levels of safety and comfort. It can also be used to reduce energy consumption, lower heating and cooling costs, improve air quality and lighting, automate building systems, and increase access to data.
This article will illustrate how smart technology influences architecture and design.
Improving Occupants’ Comfort and Well-being
By incorporating smart technology into their designs, architects and designers can create more comfortable and efficient buildings for their occupants.
How these technologies are incorporated into the overall space design will influence their effectiveness. For example, smart sensors can be used to monitor a space’s temperature, humidity, air quality, and sound. They should be installed strategically to ensure maximum coverage, the accuracy of the readings, and seamless connection with HVAC systems.
Smart lighting technologies can detect occupancy and light levels and switch the lights on and off accordingly. The lights can be dimmed, and the colour temperatures adjusted to provide more suitable lighting conditions for different tasks. Architects and designers should integrate these solutions while utilising natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Creating More Secure Buildings
Security is another area in which smart technologies can bring significant benefits. Both residential and commercial buildings are exposed to several threats, including burglaries, vandalism, fire, and floods.
In addition to performing ordinary tasks like access control and video monitoring, smart security solutions can also communicate with each other in a network structure to maximise the protection of the building. For example, the building’s elevator access system can lock the elevator doors and deny access to unauthorised personnel when motion sensors or security cameras detect suspicious activity.
Architects must evaluate where to locate these devices to maximise both their individual capabilities and their effectiveness when operating as a single security platform. They may also influence the decision of what type of cameras, access control solutions, and alarm systems should be used in a building.
Making Homes and Offices More Environmentally Friendly
Smart technology can also have a positive effect on the environment.
For example, smart thermostats and energy monitoring systems can be used to monitor the amount of energy that is being consumed and communicate with other devices to automatically shut off or reduce the energy use of appliances when they are not being used. This can help reduce a home or office’s carbon footprint and save money on electricity bills.
Smart systems can be installed to reduce water consumption, while smart windows and doors can help increase insulation and regulate the space’s temperature more efficiently.
Architects should consider the climate of the local area and the building’s size and layout when creating plans to incorporate these environmental features.
Revolutionising Commercial and Workspaces
Smart technology is revolutionising the way we work and live. In commercial and workspaces, smart technology transforms businesses’ operations, from automating mundane tasks to managing workflows.
Smart technology can be used to create a more efficient building design and help businesses and workplaces maximise their productivity and employee satisfaction. Examples of smart devices that can help businesses achieve these goals include smart desks, digital signage, RFID tags, and facial recognition systems.
When planning offices, conference rooms, and common areas, architects should aim for maximum efficiency by finding the right combination of smart tools and design elements.
Integrating Smart Technologies in Old Buildings and Spaces
In addition to planning new buildings and spaces, architects are also concerned with upgrading older ones. One of their tasks will be finding the most clever ways to integrate the technologies mentioned above in structures created when smart solutions weren’t available yet.
Many old buildings could significantly benefit from implementing smart technologies, especially when it comes to improving basic features such as energy efficiency and security.
For example, architects can consider installing energy-efficient windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting and look for ways to add motion sensors, access control systems, and cameras with minimal disruption, as well as preserve the aesthetic value of the structure.
To Summarise
Smart technology is revolutionising the way buildings are designed and managed. Architects must be aware of the different types of smart systems available to them so that they can make informed decisions about what to incorporate into a building’s design. They should consider factors such as energy efficiency, security, productivity, and environmental impact when making these decisions.