The commercial construction industry is constantly adapting to changes in the marketplace and new technologies. In order to keep up with the latest trends and stay relevant in today’s market place, commercial real estate professionals need to stay informed about architectural ideas, materials, technologies and more. If you want to continue moving up the ranks or just want to learn more about the industry, reading up on new commercial construction techniques will help you excel. In this blog post, we discuss some of the most important commercial construction trends for 2018. These include more eco-friendly buildings, increased automation, and more focus on indoor comfort and experience rather than indoor temperature. Read on to learn more about these and other trends in commercial construction that will have an impact on the industry moving forward.
Eco-Friendly Buildings
Green buildings are more than just a trend. In fact, many cities and states are mandating that new buildings be eco-friendly to reduce their carbon footprint and encourage more environmentally friendly practices. In the commercial construction industry, this means incorporating more sustainable materials, practices and technologies into new buildings. Some of these technologies include automated lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems and sensors to monitor and control indoor air quality, occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption, and smart lighting that can be controlled through a smartphone app. These technologies are all designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Some other eco-friendly practices include rainwater catchment systems, green roof terraces, and indoor landscaping that can help reduce indoor pollutants and provide a space for growing plants.
Automation and AI-Driven Buildings
Many commercial buildings are already automated, but in 2018, the focus is on accelerating automation. This means more buildings will be controlled by robots and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency and improve occupant satisfaction. Robot developers and architects are working together to create AI-driven buildings that are responsive to human needs. For example, an AI-driven building could automatically adjust its light and temperature based on occupancy and forecasted weather. One major challenge in this area is how to make buildings safe for humans and robots to work together. Another challenge is finding a balance between automation and the need for human control. In some cases, automation can make the job of an architect or builder easier, but it also reduces the need for creativity.
Remote-controlled buildings
Remote-controlled buildings are not a new concept, but the technology is getting more sophisticated by the year. In 2018, we will see more buildings controlled by computer algorithms, VR, and AR to increase efficiency and reduce error rates. For example, rather than manually programming HVAC controls, an engineer could set up an interactive program that walks them through the controls and allows them to make programming adjustments as needed. This would reduce human error and make programming much simpler.Remote-controlled buildings could also be used in other industries, such as the oil and gas industry. Geologists could use VR to explore the interior of an oil rig and create 3D models of potential drilling sites without ever leaving the office.
Smart Buildings
Smart buildings have been a staple of the commercial real estate industry for several years, but in 2018, the technology is getting smarter and more sophisticated. For example, in 2018, more buildings will feature WiFi-enabled thermostats that can be controlled remotely from a smartphone app. This allows property managers and owners to set the thermostat from anywhere and see when adjustments need to be made. In addition, these thermostats can be programmed to make automatic adjustments based on forecasted weather, occupancy, and other variables.Other types of smart buildings are also on the rise. In 2018, we will see more buildings equipped with sensors, cameras, and other devices to monitor and control energy use and occupant satisfaction. For example, a hotel could use sensors to detect when guests need attention, and an HVAC system could be controlled remotely to cool the rooms when guests are likely to be home from work.
Mergers and Acquisitions in the Commercial Real Estate Industry
In any industry, the strongest companies are the ones that are able to grow by acquiring new businesses. For example, in 2017, the real estate giant, Blackstone, acquired Equity One, one of the largest commercial mortgage lenders in the country. Blackstone has a history of acquiring other companies, so the Equity One acquisition is just one indication that the commercial real estate industry is a very competitive and fast-moving market.
Conclusion
The commercial construction industry is always evolving, and many of the trends discussed in this blog post will have an impact on how buildings are designed and built in 2018. Some of these trends include more eco-friendly buildings, more remote-controlled buildings, more smart buildings, and more mergers and acquisitions.