Subject Areas:
- Introduction to the Historical Development of Intelligent Buildings
- Descriptions, definitions and components; Development of European and World modes; Key stakeholder analysis; Integrated course framework.
- Components of the Intelligent Building
- Building and business systems; Systems integration and interoperability; Building aspects: site, structure, skin, services , space plan and stuff/set factors; Building and facilities management, organisation and systems; Changing building usage; Developing patterns of work.
- Financial Processes
- Life cycle costing and payback analysis; Funding and financing alternatives; Design processes; Integrated building design and construction; Management systems and processes; Key control factors; Building life cycle management.
- The knowledge building; Artificial Intelligence Techniques applied
- Knowledge based systems; Neural networks; Genetic Algorithmen; Fuzzy logic; Agent technology
Learning objectives
To give an introduction to aspects of intelligent building design, construction, operation and management within a systematic and coherent framework.
This module will enable students to position intelligent buildings within the overall span of the building construction and management industry, to identify the significant opportunities presented by intelligent buildings, and to recognise the constraints to be overcome in order to capture these opportunities. Basic knowledge and understanding of Artificial Intelligence techniques and their added value to Intelligent Buildings. After this module students will be in a position to take informed decisions on subsequent modules which best meet their professional development needs.
A conceptual model of the system of buildings and people will be introduced which defines an objectives system which can be achieved by an integrated approach towards building systems, environmental systems and the organisation. Studies will cover single function dedicated systems, multi-functional systems, integrated systems and computer integrated buildings. Building management covering the environmental control of buildings will form the main strand defining intelligent buildings. The programme explores the complex balance of intelligent building elements, and includes the latest thinking and developments in areas such as;
- design and construction of the fabric
- intelligent controls
- investment and operational management issues
- needs of building occupants
- a building's marketabilities need for flexibility