THE BRAINY BUILDING EDGE

Abstract

The advent of the modern building has brought with it numerous issues concerning the requirement for intelligence in building control systems. More and more issues of human comfort require additional thoughts to be given to the type and quality of controls. After all, the principal need for buildings is to provide shelter, amidst comfort, for the occupants. Thus, it will not be too far-fetched to think that the modern tenant will set standards for environmental conditions which the owner of the building must strive to meet. In fact, this will become increasingly evident as the provision of rented space becomes more competitive. Tenants are becoming more knowledgeable and will not be "sold" space unless it meets certain criteria. Owners of buildings must also begin to realise that tenants' changing perceptions mean they would value intelligence not only as a marketing tool but as a tool to cut costs for themselves and their tenants. The study at hand thus seeks to determine if buildings with intelligent controls keep tenants satisfied without having to incur additional costs. To obtain a wholistic perspective, the owners' views were also sought. Findings from the surveys conducted revealed that the hypothesis held true for both the surveys on the equipment as well as the maintenance. Some of the office tenants surveyed felt that if conventional services served them efficiently and adequately, there was no need for intelligence. However, shop tenants viewed intelligent controls as elements that boosted the image of their building and facilitated faster and more efficient maintenance so as not to inconvenience their customers. The findings also indicated that intelligence did not entail added costs to the tenants but instead brought with it added benefits. The study was concluded with an outline of recommendations to owners of both intelligent and non-intelligent buildings to help raise the satisfaction levels of their tenants and move towards the inevitable direction of intelligence.