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.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.

















