How AI and Smart Systems Are Shaping the Future

How AI and Smart Systems Are Shaping the Future

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Facilities Management

A New Era in Facility Management

Facility management is undergoing a transformative shift as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems increasingly become integral to operations. These technologies are revolutionizing the way facility managers approach their roles by introducing advanced tools for data-driven decision-making, improving energy efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance. This new era of innovation is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable facilities that align with modern business goals and environmental standards.

Empowering Data-Driven Decisions

AI-driven tools empower facility managers by providing actionable insights derived from vast amounts of data. Smart systems integrate information from sensors, IoT devices, and building management systems to create a comprehensive overview of facility operations. For example, AI can analyze occupancy trends to optimize space utilization or recommend adjustments to HVAC systems based on real-time usage patterns. By enabling data-driven decisions, these technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance the occupant experience.

Boosting Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant contributions of AI and smart systems is their ability to improve energy efficiency. Advanced algorithms can monitor energy consumption across various systems, identify inefficiencies, and suggest corrective actions. Smart thermostats and lighting systems, for instance, automatically adjust settings based on occupancy and natural light availability, reducing unnecessary energy use. Over time, these measures lead to substantial cost savings and a lower carbon footprint, aligning facilities with sustainability goals.

Enabling Predictive Maintenance

Traditional maintenance approaches often rely on reactive or scheduled routines, which can be costly and inefficient. AI-driven predictive maintenance systems transform this paradigm by using sensor data and machine learning algorithms to detect early signs of equipment failure. This proactive approach allows facility managers to address issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of critical assets. Predictive maintenance not only enhances reliability but also minimizes unexpected disruptions in operations.

Sustainability and the Future of Facility Management

As sustainability becomes a top priority for organizations, AI and smart systems offer a clear path forward. By optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term operational efficiency, these technologies contribute to creating greener, more sustainable facilities. In addition, AI can support compliance with environmental regulations by providing detailed analytics and reporting capabilities. As the adoption of these tools continues to grow, facility managers are poised to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability initiatives.

The Road Ahead

The integration of AI and smart systems marks a significant milestone in the evolution of facility management. By enabling data-driven decision-making, improving energy efficiency, and supporting predictive maintenance, these technologies are setting the stage for a smarter, more sustainable future. As organizations recognize the value of these advancements, facility managers will increasingly leverage AI and smart systems to navigate the challenges of modern building operations, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction.

How Adaptive Reuse Transforms Facilities for Modern Use

How Adaptive Reuse Transforms Facilities for Modern Use

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Facilities Management

Understanding Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing existing structures for new and innovative uses. This sustainable approach to construction has gained traction in recent years, as developers, architects, and facility managers recognize the potential of older buildings. Rather than demolishing and starting anew, adaptive reuse focuses on transforming these structures to meet modern needs while preserving their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. For example, Google transformed the historic Spruce Goose hangar in Los Angeles into a cutting-edge office space. Similarly, the Battersea Power Station in London has been revitalized as a mixed-use development featuring residential, office, and retail spaces, showcasing how adaptive reuse can meet diverse needs while preserving iconic landmarks.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

One of the most compelling advantages of adaptive reuse is its environmental impact. By repurposing existing materials and reducing demolition waste, this approach minimizes the carbon footprint associated with new construction. Additionally, it reduces the demand for raw materials, contributing to resource conservation. The adaptive reuse of the Ponce City Market in Atlanta, which transformed a historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building into a vibrant mixed-use space, exemplifies this sustainable practice. From an economic perspective, adaptive reuse often proves more cost-effective than building from scratch. Renovating an existing structure typically involves lower labor and material costs. Moreover, it can attract tax incentives and grants, especially when the project involves historic preservation. These savings, coupled with the unique character and appeal of repurposed buildings, make adaptive reuse a financially sound strategy. For instance, the conversion of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart into a thriving hub for businesses and events highlights how reusing existing infrastructure can drive economic growth.

Preserving Community Identity

Adaptive reuse projects contribute significantly to maintaining and enhancing a community’s identity. Older buildings often hold historical or sentimental value for local residents. Repurposing these spaces allows communities to retain their architectural heritage while giving the structures new relevance. For instance, the Gasometers in Vienna, Austria, were converted from gas storage tanks into modern residential and commercial spaces, preserving their iconic appearance while revitalizing their function. This balance between preservation and innovation fosters a sense of continuity and pride among residents, strengthening community bonds. Additionally, adaptive reuse projects like the redevelopment of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Lofts, a former food manufacturing site turned residential complex, showcase how old industrial landmarks can become integral parts of the community fabric.

Key Factors for Success

To ensure the success of an adaptive reuse project, careful planning and collaboration are essential. Stakeholders must assess the building’s structural integrity, zoning regulations, and potential environmental hazards. Engaging architects, engineers, and preservation specialists early in the process helps address these challenges and identify creative design solutions. For example, the transformation of Detroit’s Michigan Central Station into a technology hub by Ford Motor Company involved extensive collaboration with local authorities and preservation experts. Clear communication among all parties, from developers to local authorities, is vital to navigating the complexities of such projects. Establishing a shared vision and leveraging modern technology, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), can streamline the planning process and ensure successful outcomes.

Iconic Examples and Future Potential

Adaptive reuse has already yielded numerous iconic projects worldwide. Former warehouses, factories, and churches have been transformed into vibrant office spaces, residential complexes, and cultural centers. For instance, the High Line in New York City turned an abandoned railway into a thriving public park, demonstrating the potential of adaptive reuse to enrich urban life. Looking forward, this approach will play a crucial role in addressing urban density, sustainability goals, and the evolving needs of modern societies. As cities continue to expand, projects like the redevelopment of Toronto’s Distillery District into a pedestrian-friendly cultural hub highlight how adaptive reuse can create engaging and functional urban environments.

A Strategy for Sustainable Growth

Adaptive reuse exemplifies the perfect marriage of innovation and tradition. By transforming aging facilities into functional, modern spaces, this process delivers environmental, economic, and social benefits. Companies like Airbnb, which renovated historic homes and buildings into unique lodging options, demonstrate how adaptive reuse can align with business goals. As cities grow and evolve, adaptive reuse offers a sustainable pathway to development, proving that old spaces can indeed find new life. It provides a way to honor the past while building a more sustainable future, ensuring that communities thrive both economically and culturally.

Changes to Autodesk’s 2025 Pricing

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Autodesk

Effective January 7, 2025, prices will increase on many Autodesk subscription renewals.

Autodesk recently announced that the 5% discount on annual renewals will be discontinued and the 10% discount on multi-year renewals will be reduced to 5%. This change does not apply to subscription renewals discounted through trade-in offers like Move to Subscription (M2S) and Transition to Named User.

Here’s how to plan ahead:
  • Renew your subscription early and before January 7, 2025 to take advantage of current pricing.
  • Renew for a 3-year term to avoid any possible prices increases during that period.
  • Feel free to reach out if your subscription expiration date is after January 6th.
Affected Products

The following popular Autodesk products and more are impacted by these changes:

  • AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT
  • AEC Collection
  • Product Design & Manufacturing Collection
  • Revit
  • Civil 3D
  • BIM Collaborate Pro
  • Navisworks
No Changes to:
  • Premium, Flex, M2S, and Named User subscriptions.
  • Government pricing, which may vary.
Take Action Today

Contact our team now to learn more by replying to this email or by calling 201-792-6300 to talk with your account manager, or email the sales team at [email protected].

Why Choose Robotech CAD Solutions Resources?

By purchasing directly from us, you gain access to:

  • Personalized renewal support.
  • Expert license management and assistance tailored to your needs.
  • Industry-leading guidance for your digitization journey.
FAQs
  • Why is Autodesk making these changes?
    The adjustments align Autodesk’s pricing globally and streamline renewal policies across regions.
  • Are there exceptions?
    Yes, certain globally priced subscriptions (Premium, Flex) and Enterprise Business Agreements are unaffected.
  • Can I still get discounts?
    Yes, 3-year subscription renewals will retain the 5% discount, and EMS subscriptions in select markets will also receive specific discounts.
How Gen Z is Shaping the Future of Sustainability [draft]

How Gen Z is Shaping the Future of Sustainability [draft]

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Architecture

  • Gen Z will make up 31% of the global workforce by 2035—two recent reports show the generation’s positive influence on corporate sustainability practices.

  • This emerging cohort is deeply concerned about climate change, taking action in their own lives and in the workplace.

  • Leaders across industries report that Gen Z is influencing their sustainability policies, but greater transparency may be needed to retain Gen Z employees.

For companies today, a driving force behind increasing sustainability practices is Gen Z—those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—both as a workforce and as consumers. This generation is deeply concerned about the negative impacts of climate change, taking action in their own lives and pushing their employers to do the same. Gen Z currently makes up 27% of the global workforce. That share is expected to grow to 31% by 2035 and will have a massive influence on the future of sustainability initiatives in the workplace.

2024 State of Design & Make report’s key findings

According to Autodesk’s 2024 State of Design & Make report, 97% of organizations are already taking steps to improve sustainability—a five-point increase over 2023—showing the issue has become a priority for most companies.

The State of Design & Make report is based on surveys and interviews conducted by Autodesk with almost 5,400 leaders, futurists, and experts from the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO); design and manufacturing (D&M); and media and entertainment (M&E) industries from countries around the world.

Sustainability initiatives across these industries include using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize decision-making during the conceptual design phase, increasing the use of recycled materials and renewable energy, investing more in energy-efficient processes and equipment, and making efforts to reduce waste.

Construction worker carries a solar panel for installation on building roof

Sustainability initiatives like installing solar and other energy-efficient features on buildings are increasingly common across Design and Make industries.

Although sustainability is good for the planet, companies’ embrace of this approach stems, in part, from a growing realization that it is also good for the bottom line: 69% of leaders and experts say sustainability is beneficial for businesses over the short-term, with 87% saying the same for long-term success, according to the report.

For example, sustainability efforts can decrease operating costs by reducing material and energy use. They can also improve organizations’ reputations with customers and employees—many of whom now see sustainability as essential for any business.

“Regardless of [people’s] age, climate change poses a significant existential threat around the globe, and we must work as a global community to make meaningful change,” says Hafsa Burt, founder and studio head of California-based hb+a Architects. “This needs to start with accountability.”

Gen Z influence across industries

Forces are converging that motivate companies to move toward greater sustainability, with more than four out of five State of Design & Make respondents saying they face pressure from government regulators, customers, employees, and investors to be more sustainable. Currently, 36% of leaders and experts say employees are “very influential” in encouraging them to create and meet sustainability goals, up from 23% last year.

Although the impacts of climate change will be felt most strongly by younger generations, no single age group is responsible for driving sustainability initiatives across industries. “We have a lot of people who have been active in this space through choices, advocacy, policymaking, and practice for decades,” Burt says.

Several Gen Z environmentalist volunteers using grabber claws to pick up litter from park with lake

From their communities to their workplaces, many members of Gen Z take active roles in environmental and sustainability efforts.

However, “Gen Z has more awareness [of sustainability] because of access to information and data,” she says. As a result, the influence of employees on sustainability efforts extends to younger generations, with the State of Design & Make report showing similar rates across industries:

  • AECO industry: About one-third of respondents say the next generation is “very influential” in encouraging their companies to become more sustainable, with the highest rate (41%) among the mining, oil, and gas sectors.

  • D&M industry: The percentage of leaders and experts who say the next generation is “very influential” in driving sustainability initiatives ranged from 29% in the building products and fabrication sector to 40% in the industrial machinery sector.

  • M&E industry: More than four in 10 respondents in the film, TV, and games sectors say the next generation is “very influential” in motivating their companies’ sustainability efforts, with a lower rate (32%) in the advertising, publishing, and graphic design sectors.

Turning worry and anxiety into positive action

Climate change impacts everyone, but research suggests that it weighs especially heavily on the minds of younger generations. According to Deloitte Global’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, climate change is a major concern for younger generations, with six in 10 Gen Zs saying that they felt worried or anxious about climate change in the past month.

Many are channeling their worries into positive actions—the report found that 73% of Gen Zs say they are taking steps to minimize their own impact on the environment, such as avoiding buying fast fashion, eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, or reducing air travel.

Gen Z woman riding electric bike to work in the city

Gen Z workers who take action to minimize their personal impact on the environment expect the same commitment from their employers.

They are also pushing for change in the workplace. According to the survey, 54% of Gen Zs report pressuring their employers to take action on climate change. Slightly more agree that their employers are working to address climate change, though they believe more progress is needed.

Although these findings fit with what leaders and experts in the AECO, D&M, and M&E industries are seeing, younger employees may not feel their actions are having much impact, and they are willing to change jobs or even industries as a result. According to Deloitte Global’s survey, 20% of Gen Zs have changed jobs or industries because of environmental concerns, and another 26% plan to do so in the future. When changing roles, 72% of Gen Zs say a potential employer’s environmental credentials and policies are important considerations.

These trends suggest that organizations need to improve how they communicate to employees and job applicants about their strategies for minimizing the impacts of climate change. “There is an expectation of transparency and openness, and employers need to openly communicate their goals and progress toward sustainability,” Burt says. “There is a strong need to prioritize social responsibility benefiting local and global communities, as well as transparency about ethical labor practices throughout a company’s supply chains.”

Notre-Dame de Paris has Opened Once Again

Notre-Dame de Paris has Opened Once Again

by | Dec 11, 2024 | Architecture

On April 15, 2019, a wave of emotion swept the world as flames engulfed the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. But with this tragedy, came the promise to rebuild.

Images of the fire sparked an outpouring of global support and Autodesk knew right away we would join in, starting with a cash donation. Thanks to the initiative of our CEO Andrew Anagnost, we also offered our expertise in 3D digital modeling.

A core group of Autodesk employees was quickly formed to support the French public institution Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris throughout the restoration. Autodesk also partnered with Art Graphique & Patrimoine (AGP), a leading French company in laser scanning and digitization of historic monuments.

Out of this partnership, a highly detailed digital model of Notre-Dame was created by combining existing scans with new laser surveys. This BIM model, along with Autodesk software, was provided free of charge to the public institution Rebâtir Notre-Dame and made available to construction site stakeholders via a technology and skills patronage agreement.

Five years after a devastating fire, Notre-Dame de Paris is opening her doors once again, on December 7th and 8th, 2024. Autodesk honors the countless architects, artisans, engineers, and builders who worked tirelessly to bring Notre-Dame de Paris back to life.