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University courses in intelligent buildings - new learning approaches

Finch, Edward / Clements-Croome, Derek

The emergence of intelligent buildings is likely to impose significant demands on facilities managers into the twenty-first century. Whether we choose the term intelligent or not, building intelligence permeates through every feature of the modern building. The capabilities of the facilities management team are tested not only in terms of their technological know-how. Perhaps more importantly it is technological uncertainty and organizational change which are likely to demand more sophisticated approaches to building design, procurement, project management, team working and operations management. The work environment that the modern building facilitates is undergoing a transformation. There is evidence of a need for a new way of dealing with the uncertainties and ambiguities of the intelligent building. In turn, this demands a fundamentally new approach to educating the facilities manager of the future. Looks at two courses in intelligent buildings which serve quite different needs in the educational arena. Discusses the extent to which such courses will fulfil the needs of the marketplace in helping to deliver more productive working environments.