Publisher's Synopsis
An intelligent building is one that maximizes the efficiency of the occupants while at the same time minimizing the costs associated with running the building. The most important aspect of an intelligent building is what it can do for an organization and how it can facilitate good management, both of the building and the organization. Management requires good communications, information-gathering and decision-making. Employees must be healthy, comfortable and well motivated. when an intelligent building assists these management priorities, then real value is added to a building.;Taking this definition of intelligent buildings as its starting point, this wide ranging book: examines the economic case for intelligent buildings, and considers how such buildings can be seen as an investment, bringing a return to the organization, but requiring management; the control of building services is explored, and typical operational problems are examined; the concept of responsive control of the building envelope is introdueced; issues concerned with information technology are considered; details of cabling and communication networks are examined; computer-supported co-operative work software and multimedia tools allowing people to work co-operatively at a distance are introduced; human issues and appropriate management techniques for intelligent buildings are discussed.;A final section takes a pragmatic look at the future; some buildings in the 1980s may have been over-designed and the future will require leaner and fitter buildings that make the most of both technology and people.