Developing a conceptual model for the assessment of intelligence in buildings

Purpose - To date, assessment models for intelligent buildings have not been systematically investigated. Most of the existing studies have derived their findings from information technology (IT) perspectives and have not considered all factors including the architecture of the building and the necessities of IT as part of an integrated approach. This paper aims to bridge this gap. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a review of recent literature, this paper identifies the principal factors of intelligent buildings, discusses various perspectives from the point of both architecture and IT, and provides a general model for assessment. This model has been applied in relation to a case study and the results have been analyzed by surveys. Findings - The overall results from the case study were appropriate, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed model. The conceptual model presents a roadmap for the assessment of intelligence in buildings. The research reported in this paper was carried out as a pilot study to determine an assessment system for intelligent buildings. Practical implications - The elements of the proposed model provide a list of attributes for the intelligent buildings. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during the design and implementation phase in the construction industry. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the assessment of intelligence levels in buildings. Originality/value - This study provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for intelligence assessment in the construction industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that help the designers and constructors in one hand and the project managers on the other hand to construct the intelligent buildings in an effective way.