Faculty of Architecture

Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

ARCH463 INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS

Instructor: Associate Professor / Dr. Osama Mohamed Omar

Assignment A01: Definitions

Lecture 01:
Student: Louay Ghezzawi 201800367
1. Intelligent Buildings

Intelligent Building is a building in which the use of

technology and process create a safer and more
productive environment for its occupants and more
operationally efficient for its owners.
The key parameter and enabler of intelligent buildings
is undoubtedly the network infrastructure and with the
progression of technology the scope of capability has
greatly widened regarding flexibility on the
architecture, performance and green credentials. Figure 1: Intelligent Building Key Matrix |
Boston network.co.uk
For the last three decades, the so-called intelligent
buildings (IBs) were only a conceptual framework for the representation of future
buildings. However, today, IBs are rapidly becoming inherent constituents of
influential policies for design and development of future buildings. Undeniably,
urbanized areas are expected to be highly influenced by IBs in order to promote smart
growth, green development and healthy environments.
Intelligent buildings in architecture have the advantage of automated systems
that control the environment and communicate with users. With the increasing
levels of sophistication in technology, intelligent systems can be used to achieve the
requirements of sustainability. *Dr. Kurt Wiesegart is the team leader of (MED - ENEC) project, which
means raising the energy efficiency in the Mediterranean region .

2. Environment concern
Serious threat to human beings and their environment is the continuous and
accelerating overuse and destruction of natural resources. A necessary condition may
be an increase in environmental concern and knowledge about the effects and
consequences of the ongoing environmental deterioration for future generations.
Studies are reviewed that have attempted to show (1) correlations between
determinants, such as sociodemographic and/or psychological factors, and
environmental concern, and (2) an impact of environmental concern on
environmentally responsible behavior.

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 1

 Faculty of Architecture
Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

3. Sustainable Architecture

Sustainability in architecture addresses the negative environmental and social

impacts of buildings by utilizing design methods, materials, energy and development
spaces that aren’t detrimental to the surrounding ecosystem or communities. The
philosophy is to ensure that the actions taken today don’t have negative
consequences for future generations and comply with the principles of social,
economic and ecological sustainability.

How to Achieve Sustainability in Architecture

Sustainability in architecture begins with research.
The first step is to carry out an inspection of the site
to determine the natural conditions and constraints
that should be considered. This is also the time to
check on local authority regulations and
requirements or meet with relevant persons to Figure 2: Energy-Intensive Manufacturing
discuss your project. Processes | Buildabroad.org
If you’re building within or for a community, it’s
important that you chat with locals to get their input and feedback. Perhaps there are
cultural or religious considerations you haven’t addressed or they may have a better
understanding of the natural environment. This is particularly important if you are
building within a community that is not your own, ensuring that locals approve and
feel included in the project, rather than imposing it on them.
Besides the benefits to the environment and cost savings, one of the greatest benefits
of sustainable architecture is that style and design need not be compromised by the
emphasis on natural materials and energy conservation. In fact, sustainable
architecture places emphasis on not only style and design, but also innovation. This
has led too many to sustainable buildings becoming known for their impressive looks.
As you can see, sustainable architecture provides not only an eco-friendly alternative
to traditional construction techniques but also added energy efficiency and superior
style to boot. There’s no doubt that sustainable architecture is the way of the future
and will become more prevalent as the concern for the environment grows.

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 2

 Faculty of Architecture
Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

3. Greenhouse effects & Global warming

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the
Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected to space and
the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
ozone and some artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This
process maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than
it would otherwise be, allowing life on Earth to exist.

Greenhouse effect
Step 1: Solar radiation reaches the Earth's atmosphere - some of this is reflected back into
space.
Step 2: The rest of the sun's energy is absorbed by the land and the oceans, heating the
Earth.
Step 3: Heat radiates from Earth towards space.
Step 4: Some of this heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the
Earth warm enough to sustain life.
Step 5: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing are
increasing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Step 6: This is trapping extra heat and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 3

 Faculty of Architecture
Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

4. Building Automation System

A building automation system is a system, or set of systems, that provide automated
control and monitoring within a building. Control is centralized, meaning that these
systems can be monitored and adjusted from a small number of stations located
throughout the building. Their purpose is to provide a comfortable, consistent
environment, ensure the safety of all occupants, and reduce energy costs.

A building automation system is a network

of microprocessor based wired or wireless
controllers connected to diverse systems in
a building to better manage the equipment
and optimize a company’s energy spend.
BAS controls provide access to information
on equipment performance and utility
metering and gives users the ability to
easily schedule equipment and control it at
a more granular level.

A building automation system (BAS) Figure 2: Riser Diagram | Matthew Beckler

combines everything from HVAC and lighting
to security alarms and AV features into a single system that operates within an office
or building. This centralized system uses computer-controlled automation to manage
the operation of all the various components included in the BAS. When combined with
sensors and other automation technology, a BAS can eliminate the need for human
control over various systems

Building Automation System (BAS) and intelligent

integrated lighting systems can minimize the
energy by using occupancy sensors for lighting
that by:
• Controlling lighting where people work a
predictable schedule.
• Automatically turn on and off lights by
photocell or computer schedule.
• Modifying lighting levels using photo chromatic windows.
• Managing energy consumption by monitoring room occupancy and adjusting
lighting to suit.

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 4

 Faculty of Architecture
Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

5. Integrated workplace management systems

AIWMS is software that helps facilities management and corporate real estate
management professionals optimize their use of both space and resources to save
money and be more efficient. It combines various software applications in order to
provide professionals in these fields with high-level management information.

a) Real Estate and Lease Management

b) Facilities and Space Management
c) Maintenance Management
d) Environmental Sustainability: Allows users to measure energy usage, track
energy-related costs and identify areas of energy waste. This application can
often integrate with building management or building automation systems
allow users to centrally control various systems throughout a facility, such as
air conditioning, lighting or ventilation. to establish benchmarks and analyze
energy use.
e) Capital Project Management

Presence of intelligent systems which integrate to achieve sustainability (integrated

management systems) like:

• Building Energy Management System (BEMS),

• intelligent (HVAC) systems,
• fire alarm & firefighting smart systems and electrical network
• management systems which include electrical power management system
(EPMS) and intelligent lighting systems

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 5

 Faculty of Architecture
Design & Built Environment

First Assignment (A)

Fall 2019/2020

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Osama Omar Fall 2019/ 2020 6