Do you know when a building is considered "smart"?

A smart building can be defined as one that can create a productive and efficient work environment. This purpose is achieved by integrating four elements: structure, systems, services, and management. It is therefore very important that concepts such as productivity are incorporated into the architectural project through the creation of functional and comfortable spaces for users. Before building a smart building, certain key aspects must be considered when developing the architectural project:

• Analyze the topography and characteristics of the land: load capacity, orientation, sunlight, and existing infrastructure
• Prepare the architectural program considering the needs of the occupants
• Choice of materials and construction systems that ensure the efficient and sustainable behavior of the building once constructed
• Prepare the architectural project in all its phases: preliminary project, basic project, and execution project

Historical background of the smart building

The concept of high technology applied to architecture, and more specifically to office buildings, was introduced in the United States in the early 1980s. During this decade, telecommunications systems evolved significantly, allowing these systems to be integrated into the construction process of the buildings, making them more "intelligent". There was also significant advancement in the automation of water, electricity, ventilation, and air conditioning installations, thus facilitating efficiency and energy savings. This latter aspect has also evolved, incorporating new aspects such as programmed and optimized on/off switching, or limiting electrical demand.

Degrees of intelligence

In fact, the degree of intelligence of a building is a measure that depends on a series of factors such as the ability to satisfy user needs or respect the environment. Basically, three degrees of intelligence can be differentiated:

• Degree 1: basic intelligence. The telecommunications systems are automated but do not have fully integrated functionality.
• Degree 2: medium intelligence. The telecommunications services are fully integrated into the building's automation system.
• Degree 3: high intelligence. The automation systems of the building, activity, and telecommunications are integrated. At this level, the building's automation system is divided into: basic control system, security system, and energy saving system.

The following example serves to illustrate the operation of a state-of-the-art smart building, that is, with a maximum degree of intelligence:

1. A department director leaves the office around noon in December. The office building is located in northern Europe.
2. The ambient temperature and ventilation in their office are reduced. Shortly before nightfall, the access control system registers this same person's return to the underground parking lot.
3. The access control system informs the time and attendance recording system. The building's authorization automatically restores the temperature and ventilation levels in the office.
4. As soon as the director arrives at their office, a motion detector turns on the light.