Smart buildings: Solutions for a pandemic-ridden world

After the pandemic, awareness and demand have grown for elevators that can be operated ‘touchlessly’. The focus is on the quality of indoor air and the control of air-conditioning has also increased. There is an increased focus on wellness in addition to LEED Platinum precertification. Residential complexes as well as homeowners have been seen adopting high-tech security solutions which allow remote surveillance or two-way communication.

Is demand for smart buildings trending?

This was one of the central questions of the Construction World Virtual Round Table Conference on “Smart Buildings”, held recently.

How should design adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic? What is the safest method to restrict germs from spreading? How can elevators be so smart as to help us avoid contact with buttons? The pandemic has also triggered an increase in awareness and vigilance among consumers, so what new home security solutions are on the anvil?

Participants included top honchos from design and related industries and discussed the new face of smart buildings and barriers to the adoption of technologies:

Amit Khanna, Design Principal, Amit Khanna Design Associates
Antony Parokaran, CEO, Eros Elevators
Dipu Manuel, Product Group Head–VRF, Living Environment Division, Mitsubishi
  Electric India
M Anand, Principal Counsellor, IGBC
Mehernosh Pithawalla, Vice-President, Godrej Security Solutions
Puranam Ramakrishna, Senior General Manager━Smart and Connected Business,
  Wipro Lighting
Shreerang Athalye, Group President, Aurum Ventures