Getting smart about smart buildings

A roundtable of industry experts convened by Construction News and Samsung explored the integration of artificial intelligence and smart technologies to enhance building value and performance. The panel addressed how digital tools can assist the construction sector in navigating economic uncertainty, rising costs, and shifting occupier expectations. The discussion underscored the necessity of aligning technological adoption with clear business impacts and sustainable return on investment for developers and investors.

Industry leaders from organizations such as Arcadis, Turner & Townsend, and Samsung highlighted a significant disconnect between the marketing of AI and its actual implementation in the built environment. Paul Needler of Arcadis observed that many performance-improving claims attributed to AI often lack substance, while Dennis Kaka of Samsung UK noted that the industry's shift toward smart buildings is heavily dictated by the 'pounds and pence' of return on investment. The experts suggested that smaller projects could serve as vital testing grounds for these technologies to prove their financial viability before being scaled across larger pipelines.

Structural silos within the construction industry remain a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of smart technologies. Richard Saxon of Deploi pointed out that investors often bear the cost of smart installations while occupiers reap the operational benefits, creating a gap that can only be bridged through higher rents or owner-occupier models. George Mokhtar of Turner & Townsend advocated for a more integrated delivery model that breaks down barriers between data automation, BIM, and construction technology, ensuring that smart capabilities are considered early in the design phase rather than as an afterthought.

The roundtable also focused on the long-term management and 'futureproofing' of smart assets. Kris Hogg of Samsung Europe identified a lack of clarity regarding who owns and maintains building sensors, which can lead to significant gaps in engagement and data collection. To address this, Simon Lamprell of AHR recommended focusing on the building's 'skeleton,' such as its fiber backbone, to provide the flexibility needed for future technological upgrades. Furthermore, Louise Donegan of Second Century Ventures emphasized that the success of smart buildings depends on robust human processes and consistent data handovers to ensure that information remains useful over a five-to-ten-year lifecycle.