The Future of Smart Sustainable Architecture

Introduction

Modern society is becoming progressively dependent on modern sustainable architectural methods to effectively solve the complications of growing urban density through the effective adoption of smart building technologies. In a 2009 report, titled 'Buildings &Climate Change: A Summary for Decision-makers', Sylvie Lemmet, the Director, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, UNEP discovered, 'The building sector contributes up to 30% of global annual green house gas emissions and consumes up to 40% of all energy”. Through these statistics it is apparent that we need to find a solution for the future through smart structures we can meet sustainability needs and counteract the impact of a growing Urban density. When defining word ‘smart’ it often refers to intelligence ; the able to learn and think quickly (Oxford dic), with the antonym smart is ultimately ‘stupid’. We can see the direct comparison between the capabilities of a smart structures, and those of older structures through lack of intelligence of older building concepts comparatively with those of modern smart building concepts. ‘Smartness changes with time, something that is smart today may not be so tomorrow. To keep up with the pace and smartness, one has to constantly innovate and update’.

Smart Technologies in Architecture

‘Population growth…the contamination from the fossil fuels and finally the corruption in the environment are the factors which are alarming the limits the future of the human beings and also the underlying dangers.’ The greatest motivator towards a more ‘smart’ future for built spaces is environmental issues creating pressure and more opportunities demonstrate and practice more sustainable construction methods that consider the environment as it’s first priority. It is apparent that the adoption of new smart technologies in modern architectural concepts has significant beneficial impact on the environment. Smart structures solve the problems ever growing faced by traditional building construction concepts that have a significant negative impact on the environment as a result of high emission of greenhouse gases from traditional buildings, as well as the huge amount of excess waste and water consumed, and use of non sustainable construction materials which impact the environment. Architectural concepts that adapt and work with the natural environment instead of against them like traditional methods, help the lower pressures on natural resources that a growing population poses. Through smart technologies like; vertical gardening which presents many benefits such as creating a healthier environment through reduction in urban environmental challenges such as excess heat and smog, absorbing outside air pollutants and purifying, as well as assisting the environment through biodiversity; creating habitat for birds and insects. Vertical gardening can also be used for growing food in urban environments which help support the growing population, smart concepts like this one allow for modern structures to adapt to the environment challenges of high population density; these smart technologies work with the structure without impacting its purpose or its occupants.

Smart technologies have become essential to addressing the social, political, and environmental challenges of modern architecture. Through application of advanced information communication technologies (ICTs) to architecture is an effective solution to issues met in the process of urbanisation, and adapting to environmental challenges such as natural disasters and hash weather conditions. Smart structures are more effective than traditional structures as they mimic biological structures through the use of online sensors, actuators and microprocessors which allow for affective response o environmental changes such as natural disasters, providing the ability for minimal impact maximising the buildings sustainability. Implementing monitoring systems for early detecting and warning the natural disasters and the environmental threats of the rapid urbanisation. A smart building's ability to cater to human needs not only through comfort but also security and safety adds to there desire; with the ability to react to safety needs. Smart buildings draft changes in the structure through monitoring systems and in the In the event of an emergency such as; a fire within the building, or other emergencies such as gas leaks, the smart building can immediately trigger alarms, activate sprinklers and indicate evacuation routes. Occupiers can react faster and more effectively by receiving information from the buildings monitoring systems. Sensors can locate the specific area of the incident to drive faster responses. Security is also a feature highly accommodated by smart buildings with the ability to detect and block unauthorised entry from accessing the building, the incorporation of smart technologies like CCTV systems and screening facilities at the building’s entry and biometric entry systems help insure the safety and security of those occupying the building; accomplishing‘piece of mind’.

As well as smart structures being a an effective solution for the environmental challenges faced by modern society. Smart technologies bring a contemporary solution for city management, virtual enterprise, and public services. Smart structures adoption Internet of Things (IoT); where sensors enable machines and systems to communicate with each other without human intervention, creating a seamless user-friendly experience for the buildings occupants; making life more comfortable for the occupant ultimately significantly improving the mental and physical health of the residents. Smart structures “play a considerable role in affecting the health of millions of city residents”. The hazardous effects of greenhouse emissions not only effect the environment but also effect the health of humans “every year about 12.6 million people die because of the pollution caused by the harmful gases and particulate matter that are generated from the modern day city”.

The needs of occupants are also greatly considered through user-friendly concepts, smart structure technologies respond to the needs of the occupants through characteristics such as; flexibility , adaptability and durability. Smart technologies ability to adapt and personalise to an individual’s needs through safety security and comfort, while meeting aesthetic appeal needs adds to the desire of smart buildings in society and fuels the ‘smart home’ trend.

‘Definitely sustainable characteristics put architects in restrains. But each architect can be creative and develop the form that is both, aesthetically pleasing and comforts the environment. The only challenge is to think outside the box’. Through design intervention, designing built structures that considers versatility; aesthetic and sustainability can coexist; with architectural design does not only completing the aesthetic appearance of the building , but also determining the internal conditions of the building and how it interacts with the enviroment around it. Through the use of innovative three-dimensional (3D) structural systems and the adoption of smart materials that are more effective than traditional materials ultimately enhance a structures sustainability by having a massive impact by reducing demand on building materials by creating light-weight and more aesthetically pleasing, sustainable buildings.

Conclusion

‘With the recent surge in population rate and global trend in urbanisation around the world, there has been massive pressure for the development of smart and sustainable cities that can ensure a prosperous and healthy environment for the residents. Therefore, the concept of green smart cities is a promising solution which is useful in dealing with the hazardous effects of the prevailing conventional systems.” Smart designs don’t only complete aesthetic appearance of the structure but create a user friendly experience. Built structures are one of the largest greenhouse gas polluters in the world. Smart technologies can minimise these emissions and create a more sustainable building through incorporation of sensors into a structure, with these monitoring technologies ensuring that the building operates in alignment with need, ultimately consuming less energy and producing less waste. The increasing population, new urban growth is the driving demand for the buildings and energy use. This creates many more opportunities for the buildings to play a bigger role in a smarter planet. The integration of sensors and wireless network is essential to reduce the operational costs and save the power. Smart buildings also help to keep a track of the usage and lifecycle of your equipment. In a nutshell, smart buildings solutions make facilities smarter, safer and more productive built environment that accommodates the changing face of society.