About AlexJ

We're already starting to talk to technology, not in a metaphorical sense but quite literally speaking to our hand held devices. My father is a website designer, we spoke one day about his work and he mentioned how the future of websites is spoken word and not mouse clicks. He said "in the near future people will be speaking to their televisions to navigate websites". At first I found this absurd but then realised he may be right; we're only a step away from doing that at the moment.
My idea stems from this, and the implementation of spoken word in commercial buildings. We've seen smart homes come online recently where we can ask our home technology to dim the lights or turn up the heating, so why shy away from the opportunity presented in commercial buildings? Presentation rooms which can 'dim the lights' when asked, lifts that can 'go to the second floor', people working at their desks that can 'shut the blinds' or 'put the kettle on', reception areas that can 'call a taxi', toilets that can 'flush' (okay maybe not that last one).
We're steps away from a Sci-Fi fantasy being implemented in today's buildings, its also user intuitive, suitable for people with disabilities and steps away technology wise. Added bonuses include improved user satisfaction and comfort, improved workflow and energy saving capabilities.
Featured articles and news
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.
NBS launches industry guide for specification writing
Available for free and as immediate download.
Peter Barber’s work revives forgotten building types.
Insights of how to attract more young people to construction
Results from CIOB survey of 16-24 year olds and parents.
Focussing on the practical implementation of electrification.
Preston flood scheme completes primary school SuDS
Three primary schools benefit from SuDS schemes.