SMART BUILDING

Smart building: connection, analysis and optimisation

Explore smart buildings, which bring innovative change to the way people live and work. See traditional spaces transformed into sustainable, connected and intelligent environments.

A woman stands in front of a facial recognition station.

What is a smart building?

A smart building is a modern structure that uses advanced technologies to connect, analyse and optimise its performance. Smart buildings give owners actionable insights that can improve building efficiency.

An employee uses a smart phone to gain entry to an office.

What makes a building smart?

Smart buildings are designed to monitor, control and optimise various aspects operations, often leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Key features of smart buildings include:

 

Energy efficiency: Smart building design minimises energy consumption through strategies such as efficient HVAC systems (US Site), optimised lighting and intelligent power management. It uses sensors and data analysis to adjust energy usage based on occupancy and external factors.

 

Automated systems: Smart building technology integrates various systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security and access control, into a centralised automation platform. This allows seamless and coordinated control of systems to optimise performance and reduce waste.

 

Data analytics: Smart buildings collect data from sensors, metres and other devices. This data is analysed to gain insights into building performance, occupant behaviour and potential areas for improvement for better decision-making.

 

Connectivity and interoperability: Smart building technology includes interconnected IoT devices and sensors that enable seamless communication and data exchange among building systems and subsystems. This ensures that information flows efficiently to improve overall building operations.

 

Occupant comfort and experience: Smart building design aims to enhance occupant comfort and productivity. Systems can adapt to individual preferences, providing personalised lighting, temperature and other settings for a more pleasant living or working environment.

 

Safety and security: Smart buildings incorporate advanced security measures, such as biometric access control, surveillance systems and fire detection systems. AI-based algorithms can detect anomalies and potential threats, improving overall safety.

 

Maintenance optimisation: Predictive maintenance is a key feature of smart buildings. By monitoring equipment health and performance in real time, potential issues can be detected early, reducing downtime and repair costs.

 

Sustainability: Smart buildings promote eco-friendly practices by reducing energy consumption, optimising resource usage and integrating renewable energy, reducing a building's carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

 

Smart building design is constantly evolving with advancements in technology. As more devices become connected and AI capabilities improve, smart building architecture will continue to offer innovative solutions for sustainable, efficient, and comfortable living and working spaces.

Medical technology and communication network concept.

What types of structures can be smart buildings?

Smart building technology can be implemented in various types of structures, including office buildings, commercial buildings, residential buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, airports, industrial facilities, data centres, warehouses, and more. By integrating advanced technologies such as IoT devices, sensors, data analytics and automation, these buildings can optimise energy usage, enhance occupant experience, improve security and streamline operations. Smart buildings offer personalised services, real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making to create efficient, sustainable and comfortable spaces.

Benefits of smart buildings

Smart buildings offer several benefits that improve the efficiency, comfort and overall performance of the structure. Some key benefits include:

Energy efficiency

Smart buildings use advanced technologies to optimise energy consumption, leading to reduced utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

 

Cost savings

By efficiently managing energy usage and automating systems, smart buildings can lower operational costs and maintenance expenses.

 

Enhanced comfort

Occupants can enjoy personalised settings for lighting, temperature and other amenities, creating a more comfortable and productive environment.

 

Predictive maintenance

Smart buildings allow remote monitoring and control and can predict and address maintenance issues before they become problems, reducing downtime and costs.

 

Space utilisation

Smart buildings can analyse space utilisation data to optimise the layout and usage of rooms and facilities.

 

Increased security

Advanced security systems and AI-based monitoring enhance building safety and protect against potential threats.

 

Autodesk smart building solutions

Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection

Powerful BIM and CAD tools for designers, engineers and contractors, including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Autodesk Forma and more

Product details
Forma

Cloud software that offers powerful, easy-to-use, AI-powered tools for pre-design and schematic design. Making the right decisions in the planning phase has never been easier.

Product details
Insight

Building performance analysis software

Product details

Smart buildings around the world

A courtyard outside a smart building complex designed by Johnson Controls.

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL

Energy modelling accelerates high-performance building design

See how an HVAC and energy storage systems expert goes from FormIt to Revit to Insight for energy modelling of high-performance buildings.

 

Read the story (US Site)

Image courtesy of Johnson Controls

Workers stand at automated stations in a factory.

THE VIESSMANN GROUP

Using digital factory planning to boost heat pump production

Explore how one of the world’s leading heating and air-conditioning specialists uses AutoCAD and Revit for smart factory planning. 

 

Read the story (US Site)

Image courtesy of Viessmann

A circuit board diagram glows at key points.

WZMH ARCHITECTS

Tackling smart-building tech at the outset with innovative prefab R&D

Learn how a top Toronto architecture firm develops smart modular-panel systems with Revit and Forge.

 

Read the article (US Site)

Smart building resources

Smart buildings use technologies such as IoT, machine learning and automation to optimise building performance, prioritise user experience and cut costs.

 

Follow a construction COO’s journey through a long career in the industry as smart building technology has evolved.

 

In Glasgow, Scotland, a plan to use long-neglected canals to revamp the city’s water management creates a haven for wildlife and people.

 

Learn how dynamic digital models can help AEC firms and owners optimise building performance, from the start of a project through ongoing maintenance.

 

In Grenoble, France, Schneider Electric constructed buildings that surpass the country’s 2012 Thermal Regulation standards and set new precedents for automation efficiency.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on smart buildings

How do smart buildings work?

Smart buildings use sensors and IoT devices to collect data on details such as temperature, occupancy and energy consumption. This data is sent to a central storage or cloud platform for analysis using AI and data analytics software. The insights enable automation and control of building systems, including HVAC, lighting and security, to optimise energy usage and occupant comfort. Integration and connectivity create seamless communication between components and user-friendly interfaces allow occupants and managers to interact with the system. Continuous improvement through data-driven decisions ensures the building operates efficiently and sustainably. 

What technology is used in smart buildings?

Smart buildings use a combination of technologies, including IoT devices for data collection; AI and data analytics for processing information; and building automation systems for centralised control of HVAC, lighting and security. Cloud computing stores and manages data, while connectivity protocols enable seamless communication among devices. Predictive maintenance software helps prevent equipment failures. Energy management systems optimise resource usage, while advanced security systems enhance building safety. Occupant-tracking technologies help optimise the use of spaces, and renewable energy integration promotes sustainability. Virtual and augmented reality technologies assist in design, planning and training within smart buildings. 

What is the difference between a smart building and a connected building?

While the terms "smart building" and "connected building" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences. A smart building uses advanced technologies such as IoT devices, sensors, data analytics and AI to optimise operations and enhance occupant experience. It focuses on automation and data-driven decision-making to improve energy efficiency, security and overall building performance. On the other hand, a connected building emphasises interconnectivity between building systems, enabling communication and data exchange. A connected building may integrate technologies for improved monitoring and control but may not employ advanced data analytics or automation like a smart building. 

Are smart buildings sustainable?

Smart buildings are designed with sustainability in mind, using advanced technologies such as sensors, AI and renewable energy integration to optimise energy usage and resource management. They monitor occupancy and adjust systems such as lighting and HVAC to minimise waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Predictive maintenance ensures equipment efficiency, while data-driven decision-making identifies areas for improvement. Smart buildings promote eco-friendly practices, encourage green building certifications and integrate with smart grids to support sustainable energy consumption.

Can you retrofit older buildings with smart technology?

Older buildings can be retrofitted with smart technology by adding or upgrading components such as sensors, IoT devices and automation systems. The retrofitting process involves assessing the building’s infrastructure, upgrading the network for connectivity and integrating sensors throughout the property to collect data. Building automation systems are implemented to centralise control of various systems, and data analytics and AI are used to process the collected data for optimised energy usage and proactive maintenance. With careful planning and implementation, retrofitting older buildings with smart technology offers benefits like improved efficiency, occupant experience and sustainability.

See more FAQ