What are the latest trends in facility design and construction?

Presently Waste handling is a big challenge. There is a requirement of transportation of waste through the Pneumatic Automatic System so that the waste is taken to designated place without manual handling. This will ensure clean environment and will prevent from infections.

Smart building with a centralized management system, a.k.a. BMS, is a way to go: broad visibility to the system performance, energy monitoring, easier control, etc. Nonetheless we must take into account the failure strategies into the design for unexpected events (outage, faulty sensors/controllers/mechanicals), and have a properly documented engineering documents. Invest on the system, invest a bit more to maintain it, then we are set.

One of the most significant trends in facility design and construction is the integration of smart technologies that enable buildings to monitor, control, and optimize various aspects of their operation, such as energy, lighting, security, ventilation, and indoor air quality.

Smart technologies are a tremendous opportunity when remote monitoring by exception alarms is integrated into your CMMS system. Without the integration there is too much noise without actionable events.

Energy Management and Net Zero Goals: Retailers are increasingly focused on energy management and achieving net zero goals. This includes integrating energy management planning in store designs, using renewable power sources, and aiming for net zero carbon and energy goals

Modular construction is a great way to tackle short term requirements. Not every facility we build needs a 50 year life span. Over construction is just going to burden your budget in your out years. Utilizing temporary facilties is a great way to address your needs for a set time frame. However, you need to be firm with your organization that a temporary facility is just that, temporary, it should be removed at the end of its planned life or you risk losing the benefits of not overbuilding.

Aufgrund des Bedarfs an Fl?che (der Bedarf wird ja immer kurzfristiger) eignet sich die Modulbauweise besonders, um schnell und effektiv (Lebens)raum zu erschaffen. In der heutigen globalen Zeit ist das Thema Flexibilit?t im Bau besonders wichtig. Der Trend im Wohnbau geht ja noch einen Schritt weiter mit Tiny Houses. Hier wird in nur einem Modul gelebt, was flexibel verbracht werden kann.

Modular construction streamlines the building process by integrating essential facility management elements from the outset. For instance, in designing modular office building, the modules can be pre-fitted with energy-efficient AC systems and solar tubes for natural lighting, significantly reducing power consumption. Additionally, integrating wastewater treatment plants within these modules promotes sustainable water management. The inclusion of in-built garbage recycling units further enhances the building's eco-friendliness. By addressing these requirements during the design phase, modular construction not only cuts down on construction waste and time but also ensures long-term cost efficiency and sustainability.

Of course modular construction is not only a future trend but a nowadays one. Many architects are not understanding that their role is changing in many markets, and this is one of them. It's a matter of terms, a matter of quality and certifications availability, and it will be a matter of money too. I think there's a long way to go for modular construction, but the way is now on. No doubt about it.

For this to be fully utilized , same technology that is applicable to factory production of gadgets in terms of precision, accuracy and measurements should be giving a priority. Industrialize building system is all about dimensions and accuracy.

Biophiles Design wird künftig nicht nur Aspekte des Wohlbefindens oder der ?sthetik dienen. Es wird uns nicht mehr anders m?glich sein, unsere Nahrungsmittel - wie bspw. Salat, Tomaten etc - herzustellen. Der Bewuchs mit Pflanzen, die auch für unsere Bienen und anderen Insekten interessant sind , steuert zur Artenerhaltung bei. Aber dies ist ein Gedankenexperiment, was ich in einem Buch gelesen habe, dass FM in 50 Jahren betrachtet :-)

And Biophilic design is also an approach to design that aims to connect people with nature. This can be achieved through the use of natural materials, natural light, plants, and other elements that evoke a sense of calm and connection with the natural world.

When biophilic design is seen just as a way of filling the wokspace of plants, I think it's only a matter of time to get back to clean design shapes. Natural plants come with insects, spiders, etc., and with maintenance needs too. Added to that, designers often forget people with allergies. There's not advance if a trend brings to the workspace problems and costs that didn't exist before. But if biophilic design is understood as a way of using natural materials in an intelligent way, low radiation, easy cleaning, comfortable colors and shapes... then it's a real trend with a long future ahead. We are natural beings, but we use buildings to be better.

In the circular economy, designing facilities for adaptability is key. This involves creating spaces that can easily be repurposed or reconfigured, thus extending their lifecycle. Incorporating modular elements that can be swapped or upgraded without major renovations is another strategy.

The latest trends in facility design and construction include a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the integration of technology for smart buildings, flexible and adaptable spaces to accommodate changing needs, and a greater emphasis on health and wellness features. Additionally, there is a growing interest in modular and prefabricated construction methods, as well as the use of advanced materials and building techniques to improve durability and resilience. Finally, there is an increasing emphasis on creating spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being.

The concept of a circular economy has gained significant momentum, especially following the global pandemic. This economic model emphasizes sustainability by reusing and recycling materials and resources, minimizing waste and environmental impact. In the context of real estate and urban development, this trend is particularly relevant due to the shifts in how office spaces are utilized post-pandemic.

Facility management is a professional management discipline focused upon the efficient and effective delivery of support services for the organizations that it serves. It can also described as the "organizational function which integrates people, place and process within the built environment with the purpose of improving the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business."

Of course resilient desing is simply a must. The doubt is about if it's on the scope of FM or not. Many times (maybe most of the times) Facilities Managers are out of areas such as structural design. But, of course, FM must pay attention to every point of their scope about that, previewing contingencies an trying to ensure business continuity. For example, you can have 3 different cables for telecommunications arriving to your office, but if all of them enter through the same pipe, in the case that pipe gets broken, probably the three cables will be out of service. Understanding the real sense of "redundant" for installations is key to get resilient design. Many times, FM are confused between "several" and "redundant".

Smaller Footprints: New grocery stores are being built with smaller sizes, typically less than 30,000 square feet, and sometimes as small as 12,000 square feet. This shift allows for lower break-even levels and caters to a consumer preference for smaller stores that facilitate quicker shopping trips

Modern facility design should emphasize energy efficiency and community engagement. Geothermal systems for heating and cooling significantly cut carbon emissions. Interactive displays showcasing real-time energy usage promote eco-awareness among people. Multipurpose communal spaces encourage community interaction and engagement. Rainwater harvesting systems demonstrate water conservation while educating occupants on sustainability. Finally, incorporating art and cultural elements in design not only beautifies spaces but also enhances their cultural relevance, creating buildings that are not just functional but also integral parts of the community.