Smart Buildings: A Decade On, What Does “Smart” Really Mean?

The term “smart building” has become widely used across the real estate industry, yet there remains little consensus on what it actually means in practice. For some, it is defined by cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics, for others, it is about having the right digital infrastructure and foundations in place to support occupier needs. At the same time, perceptions around cost, complexity and return on investment continue to act as barriers to adoption, with many organisations uncertain about where to start, what good looks like and whether the investment will deliver meaningful value.  

The event will challenge common assumptions around smart buildings and provide a practical, experience-led discussion on what “smart” means today, where the industry has got it wrong, and how organisations can take a more pragmatic approach to creating buildings that are fit for the future. It will be market-led rather than vendor-led, bringing together occupiers, owners, operators and independent experts to share lessons learned, common pitfalls and opportunities.