Intelligent buildings grab limelight :All the 15 are based in Dhaka

Intelligent buildings, the latest trend in office and residential real estate, are gradually becoming popular in Bangladesh.

The main feature of an intelligent building is that its life-sustenance systems are integrated into a single network, connected to computers that automatically monitor several parameters at the same time.


The parameters include temperature and humidity, heat and water consumption, free parking space, location of employees working in and around the building, engineering and security systems.


“The concept is growing, but slowly,” said Tanveerul Huq Probal, president of Bangladesh Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (Rehab).


At intelligent establishments, alternative energy sources remain on a standby mode along with audiovisual and entertainment systems and facilities for ventilation, filtration and climate control.


“The control system in an intelligent building is fully computerised. A strong network of electronic devices monitors and controls the mechanical and lighting systems in the building,” said Iqbal Hussaiyn, managing director of Magnum Engineering and Construction.


According to the market players, there are 15 intelligent buildings in the country -- all based in Dhaka.


Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, IDB Bhaban (building), and Headquarters of British-American Tobacco Bangladesh as well as buildings in which Square Pharma-ceuticals, Aventis, Beximco, and American International School are located. Five-star hotels in Dhaka are also intelligent buildings.


There are few fully intelligent buildings in Bangladesh. Market players said that full-fledged intelligent buildings have automated fire fighting and suppression systems, air conditioning systems, and access control with CCTV and intruder alarms.


“The automated programming system inside an intelligent building will let its occupant know if an air-conditioner becomes dirty or a room is about to go up in flames inside," Hussaiyn said.


In terms of electricity consumption, intelligent buildings cost less than traditional structures, when the high concentration of electrical and electronic gadgets is taken into account.


Industry insiders said intelligent buildings are yet to make a noticeable impact on the residential segment of real-estate.


The Rehab president said: “Intelligent buildings are costly, and the realtors do not want to construct such buildings for living.”


Industry insiders said, however, that many offices of private commercial banks and other corporate and industrial offices are being built on the system.


“Interiors of many buildings in Dhaka are getting intelligent, but not the whole building because of high costs,” said Probal.


The origins of intelligent buildings and its management systems have roots in the industrial sector of Europe and US during 1970s. The systems and controls -- similar to those in use in today's intelligent buildings had been used to automate production processes and optimise plant performances.


The related technology and systems were then further developed and modularised during the 1980s so that they could be used in the residential and commercial sectors of the developed world.


The concept of intelligent building is new in the South Asian region, according to the industry people.