Lim Wenhui, Jury Chairperson for the 2018 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Singapore, shares her thoughts on the incorporation of smart tech into the built environment.
October 12th, 2018
An increasing number of developers in the region are exploring smart building technology and taking advantage of advances in data analysis, VR, AR and AI – often to allow for a more sustainable way of living. This year, for its Asia Property Awards Singapore, PropertyGuru introduced a new category to cater to this interest.
The ‘Best Smart Building Development’ award has two nominees: JadeScape by Qingjian Realty (Marymount) Pte Ltd and Le Quest by Qingjian Realty (BBR) Pte Ltd. The winner, along with the winners of the numerous other categories, will be announced tonight (Friday 12 October 2018) at a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands.
Jury Chairperson for the 2018 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Singapore, Lim Wenhui – a Partner at SPARK and the first female Jury Chairperson for the PropertyGuru awards – says the judges are impressed by the entries this year. Lim has been on the PropertyGuru awards jury in Singapore for four years. “The judges feel it’s important to review the categories each year to keep up with the changing needs and trends in society,” she says. A second new award category in 2018 caters to refurbishment and reconstruction – “because there are so many of these projects,” says Lim.
Smart buildings, she says, constitute an expanding yet challenging area in Singapore because of developer concerns and the circumstances of some projects. But there is growing interest and she looks forward to seeing the development of a stronger smart building culture here, as she has witnessed in China through SPARK’s projects.
One such project – a master plan for a new centre in third-tier city Quzhou – incorporates smart technology to monitor everything from traffic conditions to tourist engagement and water quality. SPARK’s design concept proposes a zero-carbon island between a new high-speed rail line and the old city centre. Roads are positioned underground to allow for the more substantial preservation of the natural environment. Renewable energy production and water recycling and collection have been designed into a system of green infrastructure that supports the new buildings in the city centre. An interactive app will engage residents and tourists with insights into the natural life in the area.
“In China, smart building technology is readily available. Its implementation is a matter of whether or not commercial developers are willing to apply it,” says Lim. In Singapore, she notes, the government has the greatest power to implement smart building technology. But that hasn’t stopped the creep of smart tech into commercial projects here. Lim notes that many developments in Singapore have already implemented technology such as voice-activated systems and community apps. She looks forward to seeing more projects here incorporating tech such as monitoring systems for energy consumption and safety.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
The official launch of the 2024 WA Architect Awards opens today – Wednesday 1st May – with the opening of the AIA WA Awards Exhibition.
The eponymous founder of Lindy Johnson Creative has been honoured with the 2024 President’s Prize by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Queensland Chapter.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
As one of the many entries to The Building category at the 2024 INDE.Awards, this community centre is something out of the ordinary through its architectural design, that also provides a place for community and connection for many.
Eccentricity and refinement blend at Giant Steps Wines’ new Tasting Room – a picture-perfect place for guests to wine down.
For 50 years, Alspec has been a driving force in Australia’s architectural landscape. As a wholly Australian-owned company, their commitment to innovation and exceptional service has positioned them as a leading supplier of aluminium window and door systems for commercial, residential, and industrial applications.