The Pathfinders

With the advent of technological transformation, some of the most creative, technical and structural minds of this industry discussed the best practices in building design and maintenance.

The biggest motor that is programming automation, energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings is data. Taking the smart and sustainable route in the making of a building, the architect conceptualises and plans the structure, the CIO sees the complete integration of its IT infrastructure and facility managers maintain it through its life cycle. With stalwarts of these fields gathered together under one roof for the Bengaluru edition of the round table, we spoke to them to better understand how technology is helping reduce post-construction issues and what the age of ‘data’ holds for us.

Despite the fact that an architect hands-over the building to the facility manager, who takes on complete responsibility through its life cycle, why is it that we still see limited involvement of FMs in the conceptual stage?

Gopal Rao: This has been changing in the past few years, especially in projects where MNCs are involved. But, yes, in the private segment, FMs are not involved until after the building is completed. Just as an architect tries to bring in value to the project FMs too have immense inputs with regard to operations. A developer might look at a project from just costs and profits perspective but it’s professionals such as architects and FMs, who can help the developer understand the needs of the tenants as well as of the structure, in the future.