How would we build our buildings today if we knew the technological developments of the future? While this might just be a wish for most in the smart building sector, London headquartered engineering firm Arup is taking the question very seriously. “As engineers, we need to keep an eye on new advances in technology. Sometimes we encounter a new technology that may not be immediately suitable. This might be due to its readiness, its cost, or the client’s perception of risk. The ease of retrofitting a new technology is often a barrier to its adoption in existing buildings, but with some forethought, there can be simple and cost-effective ways to accommodate it”, said Martin Shouler, associate director, Arup. The exponential nature of technological development makes it increasingly difficult to anticipate which current ideas may become reality and what unknown technologies may emerge. In the construction industry, where we design buildings with lifetimes that far exceed […]