Assessment of the challenges influencing the adoption of smart building technologies

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing focus on Smart Building Projects (SBP) and the technologies associated with them. Numerous studies have been conducted globally to define smart building technologies (SBT), identify challenges, and explore areas for improvement. This study aims to examine the concept and terminology of SBT and the expertise and experience of participants in SBP in the Arab Gulf countries, specifically Saudi Arabia. The study also investigates the challenges faced by SBT throughout its life cycle.Methods: To identify and assess the challenges affecting the adoption of smart building technologies. This approach included a literature review, pilot-testing, and a questionnaire survey. The survey targeted a sample of 90 architects/engineers, managers, and contractors.Results: A total of 55 challenges were identified and categorized into four groups, corresponding to the key phases of the project life cycle. These phases include the programming and feasibility analysis phase, design phase, installation and commissioning phase, and operation and maintenance phase. The findings of this research expand the body of knowledge by providing architects/engineers, managers, and contractors in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AEC/FM) industry with insights into the influential challenges related to the adoption of SBT. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the concept and terminology of smart building technologies and explores the challenges faced by SBT during its life cycle. By identifying and categorizing these challenges, the study provides valuable information to AEC/FM practitioners, enabling them to overcome obstacles and improve the adoption of SBT.

The Main Barriers Limiting the Development of Smart Buildings

“…Project development requires a detailed understanding of stakeholders' needs. In this sense, Baharetha et al [68] highlight that distinguishing the intelligence requirements of owners, users, operators, and facility managers is complex. Furthermore, the characteristics and specificities of smart buildings and the increase in design changes [28] require using technologies such as BIM to develop the design process, which is not always accessible to small and medium-sized construction companies.…”

“…Regarding "more complex design and construction", authors such as Rodrigues et al [28], Yang et al [54], Gobbo Jr. et al [33], and Balta-Ozkan et al [63] found that smart buildings, compared to traditional buildings, imply more complex design and construction procedures. These are factors that increase complexity, the need for more changes in the design [28,44,61], the incorporation of a large number of systems in the building [31], the need for systems optimization [36], the lack of understanding of the needs of smart building users [33,56,68], and the need to satisfy specific requirements of both the users and owners of these buildings [28,30,31,57]. Furthermore, the design of privacy solutions for IoT [60] and the absence of a common framework that efficiently integrates IoT aspects with operational-level construction practices increases complexity [39,49]; Apanavičien ė and Shahrabani [13] highlight that the need for scalable and cost-effective solutions adds a challenging component to the overall complexity faced in creating smart buildings.…”