Intelligent Building Database

The Intelligent Building Database is the factual basis for the development by Donald A. Coggan (DAC) of a work statement for an intelligent building pilot project, which followed as a logical conclusion to the identification of intelligent building R&D priorities at the Public Works Canada (PWC) International Symposium and Workshops on the Intelligent Building in Toronto, May 28-29, 1985. In the course of developing the work statement, DAC compiled an extensive database on intelligent buildings.

Intelligent Building Definition

The building industry still does not agree on a concise definition for an intelligent building. Certain building technology companies see it as one that provides for and integrates a variety of advanced technologies, including computer-controlled HVAC and energy management systems, advanced security systems, shared telecommunications services, fibre-optics, local area networks, satellite facilities, and conferencing facilities. A developer sees a smart building as one that is fully leased. This definition highlights the growing recognition that technology enhancements may contribute to a building's intelligence quotient but may be of no consequence if space is not rented.

Database Report Objective

In the creation of the intelligent building database, the objective was to detail the development of a work statement for an Intelligent Building Pilot Project that would define the parameters to be addressed, the analysis of those parameters and identification the optimal course of action in each case. In working towards this objective, DAC undertook the following specific tasks:

1. Identify all of the services that could be provided by intelligent buildings, the technologies and systems required in order to implement these services, and the various parameters (e.g. status of technological development, standardization, building codes, regulatory issues, system cost comparisons and financial requirements) that are pertinent to each of the services that could be provided. All of the parameters were taken into consideration in determining the technological, financial, and institutional viability of providing the identified services by way of an intelligent building.

2. With the services that can be provided by intelligent buildings identified, defined, and costed, determine the national and international markets for these services. DAC took a "top-down" approach in determining the market projections on the basis that a detailed market research study could be conducted as a follow up.

3. Based on the results of tasks 1. and 2., define an Intelligent Building Pilot Project that could be used to prove out the technologies involved, to determine the overall benefits of the services provided, and that could be used by Canadian industry as a model to assist in marketing new products, systems and services.

The Intelligent Building Database Report is as quantitative as possible in view of the paucity of concrete factual data available and it attempts clearly to separate fact and fancy in view of the industry hype in trade literature and conventions and in supplier promotional material.

Database Development Methodology

The methodology used in the development of the intelligent building database is summarized by the following flow diagram:

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