In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial real estate, smart buildings have transformed from a luxury to a necessity. Over the past decade, what was once considered an expensive rarity has blossomed into a global movement, revolutionizing how we interact with the built environment.
The Evolution of Smart Buildings
Today's internet-enabled smart technologies serve a dual purpose: they not only enhance the operational efficiency and resilience of commercial real estate but also significantly improve the occupant experience. Just as mechanical and electrical systems became fundamental to building infrastructure, digital systems are following the same trajectory. The question is no longer if buildings will become smart, but when.
A Framework for Digital Transformation
Cohesion, a leading proptech company, has developed The Smart Building Journey, an outcome-oriented approach that provides commercial landlords, occupiers, and corporate real estate portfolios with a clear framework to:
- Assess their current asset status
- Take actionable steps toward digitization
- Navigate the complexities of digital transformation
- Achieve operational excellence
As buildings evolve from static structures into dynamic environments that actively interact with people, systems, and spaces, smart building technology has become more critical than ever.
The Five Dimensions of Smart Building Technology
Cohesion's maturity model evaluates smart building technology across five essential dimensions:
- Experience: Focusing on user experience for all stakeholders - owners, landlords, occupiers, staff, tenants, visitors, and employees.
- Energy & Resources: Measuring and optimizing energy and resource utilization across individual spaces or entire property portfolios.
- Operations: Managing day-to-day operations and maintenance throughout the property lifecycle.
- Data and AI: Leveraging AI-powered analytics to evaluate property value and quality through various data sources and metrics.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting building operating systems from unauthorized access and data breaches.
The Experience Evolution: From Zero to Best
Let's take a deeper look at how the user experience evolves along the smart building journey:
Stage 1: Oh So Retro (Zero)
- Characterized by physical, face-to-face interactions
- Traditional methods like metal keys and paper flyers
- Staff-dependent processes for amenity booking and access
- Strong emphasis on human connection and community
Stage 2: Barely Digital (Good)
- Introduction of basic digital elements
- Transition to plastic keycards
- Basic browser-based property portals
- Digital but disconnected systems
- Reliance on one-off emails
Stage 3: Palm of Your Hand (Better)
- Dedicated mobile app as a central hub
- Integrated digital access controls
- Streamlined amenity management
- Unified reservation and visitor management
- Balance of convenience and personalization
Stage 4: Unified Platform (Best)
- Fully automated and personalized experience
- Sensor-based data collection
- Seamless curb-to-desk experience
- Advanced access control integration
- Partner service integration (e.g., DoorDash, Uber)
- Complete customization capabilities
Looking Ahead
The future of smart buildings lies in creating seamless, consumer-grade experiences that transform spaces into vibrant, connected communities. As technology continues to advance, the integration of digital amenities will turn buildings into comprehensive platforms for planning, interaction, and belonging. The ultimate goal is the development of a 'super app' that seamlessly combines building functions with hospitality features, elevating the digital experience to new heights.
Download the full Smart Building Journey white paper.
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