With the development of ubiquitous connectivity and the multiplication of new low-cost technologies, a few decades ago we witnessed a proliferation of sensors, actuators and other devices capable of connecting with each other and exchanging information through the Internet. This network, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), has become the nervous system of smart buildings and workspaces. Within this ecosystem, a series of instruments control various space conditions through autonomous adjustments to optimize resources, operating costs and work experience.
In recent years, advances in new materials’ research along with the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) have laid the foundation to go one step beyond automation. This facilitated the development of work spaces that were sensitive and adaptive to outside conditions and the presence of people: “responsive” environments.
This concept comes from the realm of web design and ensures that the appearance of content is consistent across different devices while maintaining visual identity and readability. Thus, responsive websites dynamically adjust to adapt to the size and orientation of any equipment, providing an optimal user experience.
Both in web design and in offices, the key is the ability to adapt, that is, the capacity of a system to learn and modify a process, a state or a feature according to the changes undergone by the context.
In the same way, the integration of space with cutting-edge technologies such as intelligent systems, machine learning algorithms and data analysis, among others, will allow buildings to be transformed from static entities into dynamic environments that change actively and in real time. It’s about creating workplaces that learn, adapt and evolve according to the needs of the moment.
Intelligence and Adaptability
The smart office focuses on automation and data-driven decision making to optimize various aspects, such as lighting, HVAC and resource management. In turn, the responsive office transcends this concept by incorporating the ability to actively adapt to changing situations in real time, without human intervention. This dynamic approach is achieved by integrating advanced technologies such as smart systems, machine learning algorithms and data analysis. However, in practice, these two models can overlap; many office solutions can be both smart and responsive.
Responsive spaces are dynamic and can adapt to a large number of variables ranging from user behavior to both internal and external environmental conditions. And, although the concept is not entirely new, the arrival of AI in the marketplace has injected a level of complexity and effectiveness that was previously unattainable.
Offices today are prepared for this transformation. With the digital infrastructure, automation and machine learning comes the ability to predictively respond to demands and optimize outcomes for a large variety of situations and needs. This will allow offices to become places driven by the information they constantly collect and by real-time feedback, almost like a living organism.
Thus, the kinetic façade of a building can be opened and closed depending on solar radiation, saving energy and offering greater comfort to its occupants. And the air conditioning system will adjust to predictive demand based on space occupation and meteorological data captured in real time.
The goal of this new approach is not only to keep offices relevant in response to the changing needs of the market and an ever-evolving workforce, but also at every moment, from the morning commute to lunch.
What Does a Responsive Office Look Like?
In a responsive office, contextual information is essential. In the same way that living organisms have a number of sensory organs and other receptors that let them know external and internal environmental conditions to adapt effectively, the systems of a responsive building must collect and store data about environmental conditions, energy use, occupancy, weather, etc., and based on this, decide what actions are necessary.
AI systems can also collect observations about people. For example, carbon dioxide levels in the breath, thermal imaging, walking and movement patterns, heartbeat, pupil size and other indicators can reveal a person’s emotional and mental state. The possibility of accessing this information through special devices (eye trackers, microphones, cameras, wearables, etc.) may be useful to adapt the environment more precisely.
In a responsive office, several advanced technologies are integrated for an active and personalized adaptation of the work environment. These technologies might include:
→ Presence and activity sensors: they monitor occupancy and the movement of people in real time. They may include cameras, motion sensors and location technologies.
→ Dynamic space management: a smart management system that uses sensor data to identify the occupancy of different areas in the office. With this information, the layout of desks and co-working areas is dynamically adjusted to optimize the use of space and ensure employee comfort.
→ Customized lighting: it includes biometric sensors, such as those that monitor pupillary response, to assess employees’ eye strain and lighting needs. Smart lighting systems automatically adjust light intensity, color and direction based on individual requirements.
→ Adaptive HVAC: the system leverages AI algorithms and machine learning capabilities to analyze internal conditions in different areas of the office based on orientation and occupancy, along with weather information and historical data. This way, it can make proactive adjustments and optimize HVAC efficiency. It may even anticipate the need of occupants based on their daily routine or preferences, guaranteeing comfort without wasting energy.
→ Smart ergonomic devices: smart desks and chairs equipped with sensors that monitor employees’ posture and physical activity can automatically adjust the height of desks, tilt of chairs, and ergonomic settings to prevent posture-related health problems.
→ Customized collaboration systems: meeting room collaboration technology adapts to the specific needs of each team. It uses advanced video conferencing systems and cloud collaboration tools integrated with employees’ calendars and communication preferences.
→ Environment-sensitive interfaces: these are different physical elements that can adapt to the context in real time. For example, solar panels that can be adjusted according to the position of the sun, kinetic façades and glass panels that change opacity to control light, or furniture that reconfigures automatically.
Altogether, the responsive office uses real-time data and involves the integration of multiple solutions and advanced technologies to create a dynamic and personalized work environment. Adaptability extends from the physical layout of the space to aspects such as lighting and air conditioning with the aim of improving the comfort, productivity and well-being of employees.
Altogether, the responsive office uses real-time data and involves the integration of multiple solutions and advanced technologies to create a dynamic and personalized work environment. Adaptability extends from the physical layout of the space to aspects such as lighting and air conditioning with the aim of improving the comfort, productivity and well-being of employees.
Bonus Track: Environmental Sustainability
AI-driven responsive spaces can play an essential role in caring for the environment. Through their smart energy management systems, unnecessary consumption can be reduced and the use of resources can be optimized.
Thanks to their ability to dynamically adapt the settings of environmental control devices to the contextual conditions, they can, for example, adjust the shading and reflectivity mechanisms of the façade according to the orientation, time of day or particular climatic conditions. This, along with the control of HVAC and lighting systems, not only improves user comfort, but also optimizes energy efficiency.
Smart space management also helps minimize environmental impact, since an office that occupies less space is more efficient and saves resources. Shared areas and desks require less square feet per person and can be managed with booking software and occupancy sensors.
References:
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (2020): “Shaping the Future of the Internet of Bodies: New challenges of technology governance”.
HAWORTH (2016): “Enabling the Organic Workspace: Emerging Technologies that Focus on People, Not Just Space”.
MAKSOUD, A. et al. (2022): “Self-learning Buildings: integrating Artificial Intelligence to create a building that can adapt to future challenges”.
CARLUCCI, F. (2021): “A Review of Smart and Responsive Building Technologies and their Classifications”.
RIMMER, J. (2023): “How AI Is Changing the Workplace”.
