High-technology buildings and the information economy

Abstract

Clients and building users are demanding more sophisticated buildings. This demand is associated with the drive towards office automation, with the advent of the electronic office and increased use of telecommunications. Such demands are resulting in strong pressures for change in the construction sector. The building industry is confronted with two principal requirements: to provide the enhanced communications services based on information technologies; and to provide more sophisticated environmental control. In consequence, construction is undergoing a process of restructuring in which new ways of organising building work are coming to the fore, and new technologies — particularly microelectronics and prefabrication — are being adopted. The types of firms operating in the sector are changing, together with the relationships between those involved in the building process, their skill requirements and their competitive strategies. One major implication of the development of intelligent buildings, particularly in offices, has been an increase in international trade in the building industry. This paper considers the changing global markets for so-called intelligent buildings and the implications for technology strategies, competition and skills in the construction sector. The paper is divided into four parts. First, I shall discuss changes in demand and the markets for intelligent buildings. Second, I consider the impact of technological change and the rapid diffusion of information technology and electronic products into high-technology buildings. Third, the changing shape of the supply industries and new relationships between clients, designers, contractors, suppliers and specialists are examined. Fourth, I shall discuss changing skill requirements and the need to develop appropriate skills and technology strategies if efficient, user-friendly intelligent buildings are to be constructed.