Summary_ReaderResponse of Smart Buildings: What 'smart' really means Draft #3

In the article “Smart Buildings: What 'smart' really means”, Lecomte (2019) states that having certification with standardized metrics is fundamental for smart buildings to wholly emerge in the 'built environment'. Lecomte mentions that the lack of unanimity from various stakeholders has delayed the drafting of standardized rubrics. Hence, private and public sectors design their own metrics to assess smart buildings but their rubrics vary from one another. However, current private and public metrics have been unsuccessful in tackling the complicated and expanding aspect that buildings will perform in ‘smart cities’. Lecomte believes that one crucial component to be included in the standardized rubrics would be cyber risk management as cyber threats ‘increase exponentially’ along with more advanced and integrated technology in smart buildings. Lecomte concludes that holistic and reliable 'smart building certifications and rubrics' will be the foundation of a 'functioning market for smart real estate'. However, as stakeholders come together, standardization should not be the main focus at this point of development but rather, the exchange of perspectives, to make room room for creativity and diversity.

Firstly, stakeholders meetings should monopolize the different perspectives from one another to reach relevant solutions for all parties. Lecomte claims that stakeholders come together to standardize the definition of 'smart buildings' and have seen no progression by the lack of mutual agreement. In reality, there already are examples of private and public sectors working together in various 'smart building' projects. Wendorf (2019) states that Amsterdam has over 170 smart city, some including 'smart buildings', projects underway and public, private and residential stakeholders are included in the developments. And as a result of this collaboration, some of Amsterdam's residential buildings are installed with energy meters which rewards people who reduce energy consumption. Though this implementation may not have been on a global or even on a country scale, yet it is reported here that not only private and public sectors but residents also are working together to achieve a 'smart building in a smart city' outcome. This is a prime example of how various stakeholders are coming together to work together on mutual terms to define 'smart buildings'.

Secondly, a diverse interpretation of 'smart buildings' is, at this present moment of time, more effective in meeting and solving the different demands and problems each community faces compared to standardization. Lecomte mentions that 'smart buildings' should promote the productivity and well-being of the community. Though cities have overlapping demands, some are more critical than others. For instance, if a city has a high generation of waste, 'smart building' designs will revolve around waste management. Vasquez (2019) points out that  stakeholders often rely on rigid templates for 'smart buildings' instead of having these designs revolve around the lifestyle and needs of the building's occupants. In this case, 'smart' is how the infrastructure can adapt and meet the needs of the community and their culture. Thus, in view of diverse cultures and backgrounds, 'smart' can hold differing values. Therefore, it is important for designers to have a versatile and strong grip on the various solutions to meet the demands of differing communities.

Lastly, clamping down on standardization leaves lesser room for creativity in experimenting with different technology and their integration with one another. Lecomte predicts that 'smart buildings' will have sophisticated and varied roles in smart cities. Mankind is constantly advancing in technology and in the area of 'smart buildings', new systems are being developed constantly. These new systems need to be constantly tested in applicable environments and diverse standards could actually prove accommodating to tackle specific and diverse issues alike. Viki (2016) states that analysts have traced the root of creativity in teams and individuals and that is due to the presence of multicultural and environmental exposure. With this fact established, a variation of standardization would prove beneficial for 'smart buildings' the long run. New ways of integration and break through in development can be cultivated from teams comprised of people of different culture and environment, enhancing the range of technology integration of 'smart buildings'. These teams will be able to lay a broad ground work to serve as foundations for future development and technological integration.

In conclusion, there are benefits of a more standardized rubrics to facilitate the integration of 'smart buildings' into 'smart cities' and even to beyond that in the future where cities interact with one another. However, while Lecomte's ambition is not in error in the least, the best interest of today's society would be the sufficiency of space required for different perspectives, diversity and creativity to mature, and in reward, ingenuity solutions.

References:


Baumgartner, J. (2010, November 24). Why diversity is the mother of creativity. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from https://innovationmanagement.se/imtool-articles/why-diversity-is-the-mother-of-creativity/

Kathleen O’Dell, A. N. (2019, August 28). Inclusive smart cities. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/public-sector/inclusive-smart-cities.html

Lecomte, P. (2019, January 29). Smart buildings: what 'smart' really means. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/smart-buildings-what-smart-really-means

Viki, T. (2016, December 6). Why diverse teams are more creative. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/tendayiviki/2016/12/06/why-diverse-teams-are-more-creative/#5bb33de77262

Wendorf, M. (2019, July 29). Smart cities initiatives around the world are improving citizens' lives. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from https://interestingengineering.com/smart-cities-initiatives-around-the-world-are-improving-citizens-lives