Having worked in the Smart City field for 11 years, one of my significant takeaways on the challenges facing implementation is that there is a heavy tide of legacy pushing against innovation in the construction industry. Now this is normal in many senses as the goal of construction in some ways runs against the grain of some types of innovation. For example, technology systems are generally designed to last five to ten years, whereas buildings should last 20 to 30 years or more. This creates a clash in the way that designers of the latter view the former. Added to this an excess of zeal in the area of value engineering and we find that ‘smartness’ is often squeezed out of plans as they firm up. This is especially so when, as is often the case, the people building the building are not going to be the ones operating it.
Likewise, the focus on sustainability has perversely impacted the ability to introduce certain technologies, despite many Smart technologies and processes contributing to sustainability. This is because sustainability studies can consume the non-traditional design time and leave relatively little time for exploring smart innovation. The approach should be synonymous in that the smartness needs to have similar levels of authority in a project as sustainability. Maybe this will come when the impacts on sustainability of the latest technologies are better integrated into the sustainability plans.
On the positive hand, a smart city is also becoming more productized and part of the furniture in that technologies are being integrated into standardized components of a construction design.
For these reasons I am taking a look at the whole integration of innovation into construction and local development from the basics and leading up to a new methodology to enhance the integration of smartness into new developments using some of the agile themes seen in technology.
The concept of a smart city is rapidly evolving, despite challenges, with technology playing a crucial role in enhancing urban efficiency and citizen well-being. Integrating these innovations into established construction project frameworks like the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Plan of Work is key to creating sustainable and functional urban environments.
Integrating Smart City Concepts into the RIBA Plan of Work
As a reminder, the RIBA Plan of Work provides a structured approach to construction projects, which can be enhanced with smart city concepts at each stage.
Now obviously the standard approach is to include a smart city review at each stage and this is valid. However I am proposing a more thorough integration on three levels: firstly, and above all, select Innovations that can chance the RIBA design and development process itself. This is a key to making the process more efficient, so getting more stuff done and therefore creating more time to integrate actual innovation into the design.
Let’s say that again, make the RIBA process more efficient and you’ll have move time to integrate smart innovations into the built environment.
Secondly, to align the project’s goals and designs with the potential benefits of the latest smart technologies and then move to the standard step of, thirdly, Selecting smart initiatives from a catalogue of up to date technical innovations. (in one project we identified four hundred potential tech backed services).
So let’s look into some of the key topics in more detail:
Technologies to Enhance the RIBA Process
Several technologies can enhance the RIBA process itself, leading to better project outcomes:
Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins and Integrated Digital Collaboration Platforms are all initiatives that have been touted for some time and are making advancements. In my opinion, a mix of vendor competition, legacy ways of doing things and lack of focus on education on new systems has held back the effectiveness of these important tools. Another issue here has been the lack of integration of these systems and the frequent absence of continuity between RIBA stages. Have you ever heard the question “ how and why was that decision taken?”. Lack Of transparency causes this type of disruption.
To get these things right you need Policy which ensures their proper use.
Beyond doing the ongoing innovations better, there are some interesting technologies that have to be further integrated, there include:
- Parametric and Generative Design: AI-driven tools optimize space, energy consumption, and structural integrity.
- Smart Contracts with Blockchain: Automate notarization of decision making and ensure secure, transparent contracting. This one I am particularly keenan and I have built pilots around it.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Allows stakeholders to visualize designs before construction.
- Artificial Intelligence Agents (AI): Optimizes processes and leverages data for evidence-based design in a package that enhances or replaces tack roles that are normally human roles.
- Lean Construction Principles: Eliminates waste and streamlines workflows.
- Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Automation: Collects performance data for future improvements.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: Deploys sensors for real-time monitoring and adjustments during design so that it is based on real time verified information
Ensuring Appropriate and Up-to-Date Technology
Selecting the right technology then for the built environment design is obviously crucial for smart city projects. Here’s how to ensure that the technology used is both current and appropriate:
- Prioritize Needs: Focus on meeting the needs of citizens and effective governance, rather than just adopting the latest trends. Technology should serve a purpose and not be the driving force.
- Mix Mature Technologies: Combine proven technologies to create reliable solutions. Do not try to implement something totally new when there are existing, robust solutions that can be used.
- Open and Flexible Systems: Choose open systems for adaptability and future upgrades. Avoid proprietary systems that may not integrate well with other solutions or adapt to future technologies.
- Engage Specialists Early: Bring in Smart Building Specialists early for feasibility studies and to stay informed about technological advancements.
- Plan for Future Retrofits: Recognize the rapid advancement of technology and design for future upgrades. Make final technology selections as late as practical in the process to take advantage of new developments.
- Continuous Improvement: Establish a culture of continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure optimal results from your smart city technologies.
Why Use the Latest Technologies?
With the caveat that they must be proven and robust, using the latest technologies is vital because it ensures that smart city projects are not just functional, but also future-proof and efficient. Older technologies may lack the scalability, security, and sustainability features that newer systems offer. By staying up-to-date, projects can benefit from:
- Enhanced Performance: Newer technologies often provide better performance with improved data processing, faster response times, and more accurate sensor readings, leading to more effective building management.
- Greater Efficiency: Modern systems can optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.
- Increased Security: Staying current with technology helps protect against cyber threats and ensures data privacy.
- Better Integration: Newer solutions often have improved compatibility and interoperability, allowing for seamless integration with other systems within the smart city ecosystem.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While there may be a higher upfront investment in newer technologies, the long-term cost savings from improved efficiency and reduced maintenance can be significant.
- Improved User Experience: The latest innovations can offer more intuitive user interfaces, better accessibility, and a greater range of functionalities, leading to a better user experience overall.
- Sustainability: The latest technologies can help reduce a projects carbon footprint and meet environmental targets by ensuring efficient use of resources and reducing waste.
Benefits of Smart Innovations to Construction Projects
Integrating smart city technologies offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Smart technologies optimize building operations through improved monitoring and analysis.
- Improved User Experience: Features like wayfinding, space utilization tracking, and personalized settings create better user experiences.
- Sustainability: Smart buildings contribute to net-zero targets and promote sustainable resource use.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Smart technologies provide data for informed decision-making and optimized operations.
- Increased Productivity: Smart office environments can lead to increased productivity and economic benefits.
Conclusion
Make the RIBA process more efficient and you’ll have more time to integrate smart innovations into the built environment.
To get these things right you need Policy which ensures their proper use.
Then, and only then, by strategically integrating smart city innovations into the RIBA Plan of Work, the construction industry can build more efficient, sustainable, and user-focused urban spaces. The key is to prioritize citizen needs, use mature yet flexible technologies, engage specialists early, and establish a culture of continuous improvement. By utilizing technology wisely, the construction and local government sectors can ensure better outcomes for all.
So now we have discussed the why and wherefore, the next episodes will go into the how to get a RIBA design smart.
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