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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.