Meaning of smart in the construction industry
In its broadest sense, the word 'smart' implies a degree of intelligence.
Offsite residential construction, Glossary of terms, published by Buildoffsite in 2018, states: ‘Through a collection of techniques, processes and collaborative partnerships Smart construction is building design construction and operation that makes full use of digital technologies and industrialised manufacturing (offsite) techniques to improve productivity, minimise whole-life cost, improve sustainability and maximise user benefits. Often referred to as MMC or expressed as pre-manufactured value it includes data management, new materials and new building techniques.’
In the construction industry it is commonly applied to new technologies and efficient ways of thinking or operating such as:
- Smart airports.
- Smart blinds.
- Smart buildings
- Smart cities
- Smart coatings.
- Smart concrete.
- Smart construction
- Smart contracts.
- Smart elevators.
- Smart facades.
- Smart glass.
- Smart greenhouse
- Smart grid electricity network.
- Smart home.
- Smart materials.
- Smart meters.
- Smart motorways.
- Smart office lighting.
- Smart sensors.
- Smart technology.
Smart can also refer to objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.
Featured articles and news
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.






















