Smart Buildings: Getting the balance right

Smart Buildings: Getting the balance right

by Sophie Taysom Comment Closed
In the previous articles on smart buildings and their risks, we’ve explored what we mean by ‘smart buildings’ and outlined what they have to offer to the commercial built environment. We have also touched on why the issue of data in the context of the built environment and ‘smart buildings’ needs serious consideration as emerging technologies such as facial recognition converge with established legal principles for human rights and equalities. Most property professionals are already familiar with the concept of buildings and their digital twins: the Centre for Digital Built Britain published the Gemini Principles on data management in December 2018.  We need to embed these principles in the built environment; a  ‘cradle to grave’ approach to the whole life of a building - which, as we all know, starts well before anything happens on the ground! Our focus in this article is what this might mean in practice, so that we can make the most of the opportunities on offer while...
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Smart Buildings and the ‘problem’ of data

Smart Buildings and the ‘problem’ of data

by Sophie Taysom Comment Closed
John Browne’s recent book “Make, Think, Imagine” asserts that “human knowledge is cumulative: as more people contribute to a network, more useful insights emerge”.  The digital revolution is disrupting all aspects of our lives with both its scope and impact likely to expand exponentially. It demands new approaches, and new intellectual coalitions. This is the first of three articles produced collaboratively by Dr Sophie Taysom, an independent consultant at Keyah Consulting, and Dr Sue Chadwick, a Strategic Planning Advisor at Pinsent Masons LLP, on smart buildings and the 'problem' of data.   Smart buildings are now possible thanks to digital innovations including the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and advanced data analytics that can provide real time feedback. It’s clear that there is much on offer, from making buildings more efficient and responsive, to improving our working environments. At the same time, there are real concerns about what this means for us as individuals, what it means for our privacy and how...
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