Smart cities are the future of urban development and growing rapidly. From providing public safety to prioritising energy resilience, smart cities incorporate a diverse range of advanced technologies to improve the quality of living for residents and increase economic growth across a variety of sectors.
There are currently many smart city projects across the UK, including major hubs such as Belfast, Manchester, London and Bristol.
How Smart Cities Influence Construction
As smart cities become a reality across the globe, construction standards are being impacted. With a rising demand for sustainable buildings, the industry is turning its focus to prioritise sustainability and reducing energy consumption. Design and technology are two particular areas that are seeing significant changes.
Integration of Technology in Design
Technology is the basis of smart building design, so every avenue is now being explored to integrate emerging technologies into construction plans. This includes smart sensors, actuators and microchips that are used in lighting systems and cameras.
To be in line with green building practices, designs also use energy-efficient technology such as high-performance insulation, solar panels and LED lighting.
New Construction Methods and Materials
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly construction materials are key to reducing energy consumption. Many buildings use natural, efficient materials and designs that reduce pollution and waste. For that reason, many professionals opt for modular construction methods and site accommodation hire to minimise the damage to the local ecosystem throughout projects.
What are the Challenges with Smart City Construction
There is no denying that the opportunities offered by smart cities are boundless, but they come with their own unique set of challenges. These must be accounted for to achieve maximum success.
Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology
Technology is constantly evolving, and construction firms must stay up to date with industry advancements to ensure they remain competitive. Embracing new technology is allowing the industry to evolve and meet the everchanging demands of clients.
Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have allowed construction companies to reduce waste and energy consumption by predicting material orders and using analytics to determine site outcomes.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
Sustainable construction can incur additional costs compared to their conventional counterparts so construction firms must navigate the delicate balance between meeting sustainability goals and managing associated costs. While smart buildings ultimately pay for themselves tenfold in the long term, finding cost-effective solutions is critical to making a profit.
Ensuring Security and Privacy
Smart cities produce large amounts of data and construction companies must keep on top of GDPR risks. Data leaks can seriously compromise projects so there should be a considerable effort to invest in robust security systems that protect the privacy of residents living in smart cities.
