What does a smart building actually look like?

We hear the phrase ‘smart buildings’ everywhere these days.
​

Picture Courtesy of BisNow and Property Markets Group: "More Developers Are Opening In-Building Apartment Amenities To Outside Use As A Way To Generate Interest In Their Properties"

Especially if you’re working in real estate or PropTech or even a tenant looking for your next location to live or work.
​
Modern buildings contain complex devices, sophisticated technology and a suite of features to improve the safety, comfort, and productivity of its tenants.

With so many shifts in building technology, and a revolutionary industry pivot to be more tenant-centric we’ve taken the time to truly explore all the possible smart building solutions and experiences through the eyes of the user- the most valuable real estate asset, the tenant.  

Picture Courtesy of Equiem.com.au

Now, imagine that you’re on your way to work.
The car you reserved through Bixby, your building’s virtual amenity app, is waiting for you downstairs to make sure you’re not late for your 9am meeting.

As you enter the lobby, you’re greeted with a Morning Cup of Joe compliments of your Property Management company served by their community amenity partner, hOM.

You look down at your phone for a moment to check the time and notice a notification from Hello Alfred letting you know that your Alfred is stopping by today to drop off your groceries and pick up your laundry.
​
One less thing to worry about this week.

Picture Courtesy of Hello Alfred

You arrive to work feeling somewhat rushed. 

As you enter the green lobby of your building - a biophilic space designed by Rooted Spaces grabs your attention. You are reminded of the connection with nature.
​
It provides a sense of calm and groundedness, no need to rush when nature reminds you that nothing can be rushed.

As you finish up your 9am meeting, you notice an RSVP email reminder from your tenant portal, Equiem.

​There’s an event taking place in the lobbies and community room for all tenants to join the “Self-Care Slow Down”  in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Just a few steps out of your office, you walk down to the Community Room and it looks like hOM is also running the “Self-Care Slow Down” event.

​Offering restorative yoga, aromatherapy, hand and shoulder massages, hot tea and more.

You were lucky enough to sit down for a chair massage and walked out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  Lunch is now waiting for you at your desk courtesy of your tenant portal, Equiem, which you pre-approved earlier in the week.

Self-Care Slow Down, Courtesy of hOM

As you sit down at your desk, an email from your manager pops asking you to log into the Enertiv Tenant Engagement portal to review the energy operations, forecasts and also process the billing for your companies lease.

You leisurely walk through your office’s flexible lobby space, designed by Better Spaces, noticing that a hover room is open so you reserve it with your key card for your 3:00 pm partnership meeting.​

Picture Courtesy of Better Spaces

As your day begins to unwind you arrive at your home once again, enjoying the groceries and the connections you’ve made throughout your day thanks to technology and your community. 

---

We'd love to continue the conversation around smart buildings! 
​What is the impact we have on making cities smart, yet affordable and hospitable places to live and grow?

Let us know your answer!

Brenda Umana

hOM's Marketing Strategist and Yoga Instructor