For the majority of human history, we have relied on the same materials which have been wood, steel, stone and concrete. Even in the world that we live in, these materials can be seen everywhere we look and we would be lost without them. That being said, there is something else that is entering the world of real estate and construction, and that is code. Code is used for a lot in modern architecture, especially in real estate. There is so much of it, from the code we use for software to sensors and smart systems that are essential for the modern building.
Modern properties are no longer something that is constructed from the four materials we mentioned earlier. These buildings are living-data ecosystems that interact with the occupants who use the building. Not to mention the environment and urban fabric that surrounds it.
The Digital Foundations of Design
Technology plays a vital role in the construction of a building; it isn’t just something that is installed after the property has been erected. Now, in the early stages of construction, a building will use BIM, which stands for Building Information Modelling. This advanced piece of technology is used to put together a property by planning, stimulating, and optimising every single element of the building. We are not just talking about replacing paper blueprints either, we are talking about something far more advanced than that which is the digital twin of the building. This gathers everything from the engineering to the architectural design and overall construction data in real time.
The benefits of BIM are endless and there is no doubt that it has been a massive help for the construction process. From start to finish, it is able to foresee problems before they occur and cause damage. Not only will this save time to rectify these issues, but it will also help save the fees that they will have to pay to rectify the problems caused. A good example would be utilising clash detection algorithms will help to identify where a plumbing line may interfere with an HVAC duct before the first beam has been set.
Another great benefit to BIM is the capabilities it has for collaboration at scale. Teams that are located all over the world can work together on the same project. They don’t need to worry about waiting for information to send and share with their colleagues because it will do it in real time. For example, say if an architect is making a change to the model, an engineer can also look at the structural effect that it may have. The benefit of this is that there are delays and it keeps the workflow seamless. It also means that there doesn’t need to be a lot of back and forth when it comes to getting designs approved.
Using Smart Materials and Sustainable Design
Technology is not only transforming the way we construct our buildings, but it is also very beneficial in terms of the materials we use. Furthermore, we all know that the modern world is shifting towards sustainability, and thanks to technology, it is easy to move towards this with real estate. This includes smart responsive materials with self-healing concrete, energy-generating glass, and insulation that adapts to temperature changes.
Looking at self-healing concrete more specifically. This can be embedded into bacterial spores that produce limestone once they are exposed to water. This means structures will be able to repair small cracks automatically and help to reduce maintenance costs. Not to mention helping to extend the overall lifespan of a property.
For the photovoltaic glass, this allows both windows and facades to generate solar power without ruining the aesthetics of the building. This is something that many people have had issues with in the past, solar panels ruining the exterior of a property. However, that no longer needs to be the case as this particular piece of technology not only reduces the amount of energy used in a property but also helps produce it.
The Rise of Smart Buildings
Smart buildings are becoming more and more common by the day, and rightly so. These smart buildings will use sensors, automation and data analytics to improve comfort, safety and energy usage. All of which are very important when it comes to modern-day real estate. Sensors have been around for a long time, especially with commercial property. They’ve also been used for HVAC systems. On top of this, you have predictive maintenance systems that help to reduce the downtime of vital equipment. A good example would be predicting lift servicing when it is required. This alone can make a property far more efficient and sustainable.
Artificial intelligence is still relatively new to how we can really maximise its usage. That being said, it is already in with real estate. AI alone can learn the algorithms of its occupants. For example, it will start recognising when people arrive in the building, when they exit and how they use the space they are in. It will notice when energy is being used by the post and optimise the output so it is more efficient.
Vertical Mobility and Tech Integrated Core
No matter what size the building is, there is something that is always very important and that is mobility. Mobility is vital when it comes to commercial properties and this will often come in the form of a lift. These are the reasons why we have the tall skyscrapers that we have today.
Lift systems are far more complex than they were before. It is no longer about going up and down, and thats it. There is much to them as they are embedded with IoT connectivity, AI-powered maintenance monitoring, and destination-controlled software. These smart elevators will not only be more efficient but also anticipate the demand and help to reduce wait times and energy consumption, all of which are vital for the modern building.
What The Future Holds
The future of technology relies on the technology we use; there is no doubt about that. From the moment the building is agreed on the land to be built on to the moment it is operating for hundreds of people a day.
The buildings that we expect in the very near future are already being constructed now. They are buildings that combine steel and concrete with the wonderful pieces of technology we use to operate them. Even for the professionals who put them together, it is considered a strategic transformation. It is just about the design of the building; it is also about increasing its value and making it more efficient and sustainable so it can be used for years to come.