A Smart Building is one that, "uses internet and transmission-based protocols to facilitate the analysis of aggregated data from multiple building systems, optimizing operational decision making as guided by the goals of the facility,” concluded a recent article titled “Defining A Smart Building" by Nora Swanson, director of design technology at engineering and design firm AKF. This definition echoes many before it. In even more simple terms, the smart building is one that uses connected technology to better meet the goals of the building. Bricks, mortar, glass, and steel do not have goals, per se, so when we talk about "goals of the building" what we really mean is the goals of the people with a stake in that building. Commercial real estate is designed on the specifications of the owner or developer, in part to enhance the operational performance of facility managers. Their performance should attract the best tenants, who in turn, will use […]