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Sustainability:
Eco-friendly, design-build features are particularly
important as our population grows, turning this one-time selling point into a must-have in the future. Everything from lighting to water fixtures, appliances and landscaping will contain some element of sustainable design.
Security:
Surveillance cameras, motion sensors, fob-enabled access to buildings, and sophisticated information technology systems that can back up and protect data are becoming an important priority for tenants (and therefore landlords). This need extends to retail, offices, medical space, industrial and multifamily properties.
Convenience:
Smart cities aren’t just about technology. They’re about efficiency in all forms, including travel. A significant component of smart cities will have little to do with technology at all, but will instead focus on public spaces such as pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathways and outdoor plazas that bisect massive properties, providing shortcuts and
sitting spaces for patrons. This aspect of smart cities also supports sustainability efforts, as more pedestrians and bikers mean fewer cars on the road and less strain on a city’s transportation network.
Convenience extends to the live, work, play lifestyle as well. Thanks to smartphones and tablets, we can now control key features in our homes, offices and even retail
stores from the apps found on these devices. Though this convenience tends to require accessories like thermostats and lighting fixtures that are compatible with these apps, the concepts of smart homes, smart offices and smart stores have all converged into what we now call smart cities.
Those who work with innovative clients who like
to be in-the-know should spend some time studying this new phenomenon. It won’t be long before it catches fire in DC, San Francisco and elsewhere. You’ll have clients asking about it soon enough, so make sure you’re prepared.
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by The Apto Team
on Sep 7, 2016
posted on apto.com