The Future is Here
Building technology is revolutionising our built environment, transforming the structures in which we work, play and live. Here are a few of our favourite new trends, technologies and solutions, which in our eyes, have the potential to change the industry for the better.
Construction concrete tagging
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Forever maligned for being “behind the times”, the construction industry is derided for following work methods similar to those 50 years ago. With much scope for technology to make inroads into how construction is managed, one system in particular seems to be on the cusp of a breakthrough.
RFID tagging is not a new technology, but the use of it in construction settings is an industry innovation that can vastly improve efficiency, explains Jason Sylvester, Project Manager, Velocity Solutions. The concept is deceptively simple. By using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags similar to those used in retail applications, as well as a materials information management system, concrete can be securely tracked along the whole supply chain.
Systems such as this introduce transparency, visibility and verifiability in the often murky construction process. With so many large-scale infrastructure projects in the pipework across the region, it seems like an RFID revolution could be on the way.
Integrated building management systems
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Systems that control buildings are finally consolidating control into single integrated systems. Such centralised command provides a single, user-friendly means for observing a building’s inner workings, and increasing the general efficiency of operations. JEC’s IBMS is one example of a system that can be used to optimise energyusage and a facility’s overall performance. IBMS also provides data recording, reporting and analysis.
JEC also offers Integrated Facility Management Systems (IFMS). Once installed, the system makes it possible to observe all facets of an expansive property and to remotely access the IFMS through a web interface. These integrated systems do not only supply simple interfaces for sophisticated control, but also enable transparent building operations.
While not all of us work in high-security environs which require retinal scans and fingerprints, office buildings have become increasingly wired with technology. Schneider Electric has helped to convert glass-and-steel towers into intelligent entities with its Integrated Building Management System (IBMS). The main benefit of interconnecting office automation, telecommunication and building management, is that companies are able to simultaneously operate IP video surveillance, alarms and sensors, and high-tech security equipment.
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Built-in sensors and automated access points are not only useful for safety and security, but also for reducing energy consumption. For instance, buildings can be programmed to respond to their occupancy status so that an office unit’s lighting and air-conditioning are activated by each staff member’s key-card entry. Likewise, when someone leaves the premises, localised services are deactivated. An IP-rigged facility is especially useful for the efficient use and maintenance of HVAC systems, elevators, and communication networks. Furthermore, building automation can respond hastily to fire detection and ensure the safety of occupants.
Indoor greening systems
Looking for a healthy, low-maintenance relationship with nature while in the office? Small-scale and innovative ways of transforming built environments into more sustainable and eco-oriented ones are becoming increasingly available. One trailblazing option is “Live Within Skin”, an indoor vertical garden fitting. A product of Los Angelesbased Greenmeme, headed by Freya Bardell and Brian Howe, it is the result of a collaboration with artists, architects, ecologists and scientists.
The “Live Within Skin” modular system functions as both a plant dormitory and wall faceplate. Made of water-jet cut stainless steel sheeting and measuring 84 by 36 inches, the fitting is anchored by 6-inch aluminum cleats and houses plants within an upright trough filled with soil and gravel. Leafy tenants are installed in pods throughout and encouraged to “hang out” of the screen’s cutouts. Live within skin not only helps to beautify interiors, but also improves air quality, acoustic attenuation and thermal insulation.
Mediatecture
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This portmanteau of media and architecture by ag4, a high-tech producer of media facades, and GKD, a manufacturer of woven metallic architectural products and design, has produced Mediamesh and Illumesh, stainless steel building installations which integrate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into wire mesh or lamellae frontages. The products can either clad one or all sides of a building, and when powered, they become eye-catching means of branding. When unlit, the structure appears transparent to respect existing architecture. In addition to being highly durable, the framework is also slim in form, a low energyconsumer, and made with recyclable materials.
Designed specifically for night-time displays of text, graphics and video sequences, Illumesh is interspersed with high-performance LED profiles to create a luminous effect. Its beams are directed throughout its metal scrim to bestow buildings with a brilliant glow. Measuring only 20 cm in depth, the media structure has a maximum length of 25 m and width of 8 m. This high performance media projector has also gained industry acclaim, winning a Reddot Design Award 2008 and Segd (Society for Environmental Graphic Design) award.
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Basking in similar light, Mediamesh, has also been recognised by Design Preis 2009 (nominated), Reddot Design Awards 2008 (winner) and Stahl Innovations 2006 (winner). Suited for daytime and nighttime image projection, this product allows users to customise image formats and LED resolutions. Additionally, video or live input media display can also be broadcasted. In fact, such high quality representation is as vivid as (and more engaging than) conventional posters and billboards. Measuring a mere 2.5 cm in depth, this façade installation can span 20 x 4 m.
‘Scenographic’ lighting
New breakthroughs in indoor and outdoor lighting seem to occur on a daily basis with solutions finding different uses for light such as façade and landscape illumination, interior wall-washing, accent lighting, and ambience creation. ERCO’s Light System DALI allows end-users to control both the intensity and colour of light, projected by hardware, through software. Therefore, one can conveniently orchestrate digitally controllable luminaires, so that a unified effect is produced.
Such programming is termed ‘scenographic light’, according to ERCO, perhaps because it networks several ‘light clients’ or fixtures in the same way that a theatre does to create moods and sets. The ERCO Light Studio software, an essential part of DALI, controls light colour, intensity and dynamic progression. When paired with automated light management systems, DALI can also prove energy-efficient. System applications will be seen transforming retail outlets, offices, museums, galleries and outdoor civic spaces for many years to come.
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Thin film photovoltaic panels
Solar energy harvesting has been a hot topic for years, but increasing concern about global warming has spurred greater interest and investment into this renewable energy source and its associated technology. Applied SunFab Thin Film Line by Applied Materials, adheres thin film silicon to glass to maximize solar power collection. Ideally suited for solar farm applications, this new market offering is 20 percent cheaper to install than smaller scale panels. At 5.7 sqm apiece, the photovoltaic (PV) modules are also easier to assemble and require less manpower to maintain than previous PV panels. This particular technology has received nods from the renewable energy sector. In fact, T-Solar Global, operator of 28 solar power stations in Spain, recently announced that it has begun volume production of the world’s largest solar PV modules using a SunFab Thin Film Line.
Video conferencing goes big
Cutting costs are not only desirable but essential in this economic recession. Companies are seeking simple and easy ways of minimizing expenses while not impeding operations. Hence the increased popularity of video conferencing. In today’s carbon and energy conscious society, flying to and from meetings around the world is not only financially extravagant but also environmentally irresponsible and time consuming.
While video conferencing technology isn’t new to the office setting, its latest renditions are more lifelike than ever. For example, Polycom’s RealPresence Experience High Definition (RPX HD) claims to be “the world’s premier fully immersive telepresence solution”. While not quite as advanced as Star Trek’s teleportation machine, it certainly is similar to its helm’s viewscreen. Polycom’s expansive and seamless panoramic display, spanning as long as 16 ft, allows up to 28 people per room to meet and exchange ideas. This setup enables regular face-to-face communication and collaboration.
