With the urban landscape becoming increasingly crowded, sometimes the most viable way to build is up. Two Australian cities recently ranked high in the latest global Skyscraper Index, according to Knight Frank’s Global Cities 2018 report. Sydney and Melbourne were ranked sixth and 15th respectively in the report, which investigated the rental performance of commercial buildings over 30 storeys.
Skyscrapers have long been monuments of technological achievement in cities all around the world. They have proven to be the future of urban development, with more and more being built for residential purposes. However, how could we make skyscrapers even better and smarter?
Jobsite ANZ spoke with Tina Tsironis, Conference Producer of the Smart Skyscraper Summit 2018, who provided insight into what industry trends we can expect to be discussed at the upcoming Summit, and how this is driving innovation in skyscraper construction.
The Summit is held on June 26–27 this year. It aims at sharing the knowledge required to develop, design, and construct smarter high-rise buildings.
“A range of experts from the architecture, engineering, construction, design, and development sectors will discuss the various elements surrounding the successful implementation and maintenance of tall structures that are simultaneously smart, human-friendly, and environmentally sustainable,” said Ms. Tsironis.
The concept of the skyscraper as a ‘vertical ecosystem’ is the philosophy that drives innovation in interior architectural design.
Different panel discussions at the Summit will draw from these practices to explore how those working on tall building projects can continue to build human-friendly structures.
“The event features various keynote presentations by prolific speakers, as well as a number of interactive panel discussions, and plenty of opportunities for participants to network with one another,” says Ms. Tsironis.
So, What Is A ‘Smart Skyscraper’?
When it comes to building, the sky isn’t the limit — the law is. Height restriction laws mean that it isn’t possible to simply build a taller structure, instead, it dictates the need to think smarter about how the structures are built. Smart Skyscrapers are created with energy saving measures, environmentally friendly features, and sustainable design. The savings don’t end there: The whole construction process is cost-cutting, minimising the use of materials.
One of the innovations leading the charge in the Smart Skyscrapers sector is the ability to tailor the user experience to individual and workplace needs using The Internet of Things. This is a major contributor to the smart identity of these complex structures.
Moreover, the location of the structure itself is key, It should always allow for seamless interconnection between high-rise residencies and modes of transport. Effectively, the notion of a smart skyscraper sits between sustainable high-rise design and elements that serve to empower the wellbeing of tenants.
As for materials, Ms. Tsironis notes timber is gaining popularity within high-rise building design and construction due to its carbon-friendly and ‘warm’ properties. Another trend on the discussion list is the use of 3D and 4D-printing systems, with additional dialogue on how artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool for “maintaining mutually comfortable and sustainable environments within tall buildings,” according to Ms. Tsironis.
Opportunities to Build Careers in Smart Skyscrapers
The Summit will provide individuals from the construction industry and beyond with insights and knowledge about this burgeoning sector of the construction industry. The Summit will also provide an opportunity for those in the construction sector to network with other professionals in their field, including crucial senior-level decision makers, that are responsible for bringing transformative high-rise building to fruition.
“Effective collaboration between each individual working on this kind of project is essential. Particularly, when aiming to create a structure that is as human-friendly and innovative as it is environmentally sustainable,” says Ms. Tsironis.
The Summit will take place at Doltone House in Darling Island Wharf, Sydney NSW. Find out more and register here.
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