Technology + Built Environment
Our industry is famed for its complexity and intricate collaborations. The idea of a smart building design consultancy running on just two people might sound like a radical proposition. Yet, in our increasingly digital world, where the industry seems to have converged on a standard set of smart building capabilities, the impressive prowess of generative […]
If you’ve been in a meeting or sat through a panel about building technology lately, you’ve probably heard someone mix Building Information Modelling (BIM) with smart buildings. For those not conversant with the nuances, it’s an easy mistake to make. Both terms are steeped in digital innovation, both involve data, and—let’s be honest—are a bit […]
We’ve all seen it happen. Someone had a great idea, but it was a bit last minute. Usually, by the time a scheme gets to RIBA Stage 4 (detailed design), the property developer is focused on what they can do to create the most differentiation in the market. Understandable. We all want to add what […]
It’s starting to become clear to many across the industry that their smart buildings didn’t deliver the value that they were promised. From bombastic sales pitches to guaranteed savings, some have been left with lacklustre results or, at worst, nothing at all. And now that AI is being thrown into the mix, many are feeling […]
The rise of open-plan offices has increased over the past decade, aiming for collaborative environments but decreasing personal space from 23m2 per employee to just 6m2. However, private offices are making a comeback, supported by smart building technology, offering benefits like privacy, improved productivity, and personal space customization. These offices are proving essential post-pandemic, facilitating social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes. Matthew Marson, in his monthly column, discusses these shifts in office dynamics and the integration of smart technology in building management.
In his column, Dr. Marson addresses the smart building industry’s culture of secrecy, which hinders collective innovation and learning. He argues that sharing project successes is crucial for advancing the industry, fostering collaboration, and establishing benchmarks. Marson advocates for a shift towards openness, suggesting that collective wisdom and shared achievements would catalyze faster progress and forge a more interconnected, dynamic sector.
In the December 2023 column, Matthew Marson discusses strategies to prevent smart technology obsolescence in buildings, drawing from his experience with Europe’s largest commercial building. He highlights the need for a proactive approach, suggesting lifespan expectations for building elements and advocating for a microservices architecture to enhance agility and relevance.
COLUMN – November 2023 The 3 Sensors You Need for a Sustainable Building At a cheeky lunch the other week, James Palmer from Metrikus, quite rightly, told me I was stupid. Being the engineering nerds that we are, we were fighting over the best way to measure the efficiency of a building… I’m a disciple […]
The author critiques the RIBA Plan of Work for not effectively integrating smart building design. He advocates for early involvement of designers, agile project management, and procurement processes to match market capabilities. The columnist anticipates changes under the new RIBA President Muyiwa Oki and invites readers to join a taskforce for standard PoW overlay.