Modern buildings are becoming smarter in response to changing working patterns, economic drivers and environmental concerns. With sustainability now a key aspiration, buildings must achieve optimum performance with lower energy usage and reduced whole life costs. They must be efficient and comfortable places to live and work, delivering better choice, convenience and productivity.
To get the best from a building, intelligent systems are required to control and monitor local conditions. Buro Happold’s holistic approach ensures that all systems work together to provide safe, secure and people-friendly environments. We regard an integrated systems strategy not just as a technology enabler but as a means of creating solutions that best support working practices and business processes.
An intelligent building is one that is receptive to user needs while being able to adapt to changes of use and new technology. At the initial design stage we address the convergence of all the installed systems – including security, fire, lighting, voice, data, M&E and building management – to realise each system’s potential and improve the building’s ability to evolve by adding to, moving or replacing internal infrastructure.
After identifying risks, our consultants analyse the interfaces between connected systems and assess issues such as network compatibility and protocols. By carefully integrating control technologies and microprocessor-based network systems we are able to create smarter buildings that give individuals more control over their personal working space while responding automatically to external threats and climate changes.
Buro Happold's technology integration team is at the forefront of building integration, audio-visual, acoustics, IT and security consultancy. Our multi-disciplinary approach enables us to add value by augmenting other key skills during the various phases of design and development. With the focus now on flexible, integrated services, we provide the vital connectivity and support for today’s knowledge-based workplace.
