Tags
definition of sustainability, green buildings, intelligent building myths, intelligent buildings
Although there is no standard recognised definition available, I personally find the definition of intelligent buildings by Bennett et al. (1987) to be the most expressive. It comprehensively highlights the three attributes that an intelligent building should possess:
- “Buildings should ‘know’ what is happening inside and is immediately outside.
- Buildings should ‘decide’ the most efficient way of providing a convenient, comfortable and productive environment for the occupants.
- Buildings should ‘respond’ quickly to occupants’ requests”.
This definition can be considered ahead of its times as it was still the era of technocentric approach which attributed the intelligence level of a building to the number of computers in it. This definition and the ones that followed after 1995 shifted their focus to a holistic one; incorporating environmental, technological and user needs. In spite of the technological progress that we have witnessed since intelligent buildings were first introduced as a concept in 1985 the three most common perceptions that have been rampant about intelligent buildings are:
- “They are more expensive
- It takes a super integrator to put it all together
- It is highly disruptive to the design and construction process”
There is quite a dilemma as to whether intelligent architecture promotes sustainability or not? There have been two prominent schools of thought; one that believe that a ‘greener building’ can be achieved using intelligent building systems while the other which argues that more energy and money can be saved by using natural energy-saving design solutions. Since sustainability is not only about energy efficiency but also about people’s comfort, well-being and cost savings; all these aspects need to inspected to prove if intelligent buildings can achieve all-round sustainability. All the three parameters of sustainability i.e. environmental, social and economic; need to be engaged to achieve an optimum balance.
Pertinent questions that need to be answered for a better understanding and tackling of the issues are many. What are intelligent buildings? Are they just a fad or the need of the hour and future? What does sustainability in the built environment mean? Why is it such a rising concern currently? What is the most appropriate and time specific definition of sustainability? Can this definition of sustainability be used as a paradigm to judge whether intelligent buildings are sustainable or not? What are the various schools of thought regarding the use of intelligent techniques in buildings? Does common perception agree that intelligence can aid sustainability or is intelligence just viewed as an overtly luxurious lifestyle that negates the purpose of sustainable living?
I would like to know some of your opinions on this. Is this an issue where sides need to be taken or can a green and intelligent middle ground be too much to ask for?