Technology has been the major force behind all the changes in space utilization and office environment over the last couple decades. The changes have been in such a rapid pace that it is the norm to anticipate, strategize and respond to new technologies even before they become mainstream. Those thoughts are according to Val K. Loh, associate partner of information and communication technology at Syska Hennessy Group Inc., who recently spoke with GlobeSt.com as part of our 15th anniversary celebration.
According to Paul Komadina, managing director in the San Diego region of CBRE, technology has impacted space allocation and allowed firms to become more efficient and reduce the amount of square footage required per employee. “Over the past 10 years, it has decreased on average from approximately 250 square feet per employee to around 180-200 square feet per employee,” he tells GlobeSt.com.
Loh explains that “Structured cabling for network[ing] and video [whether] Fiber Optics, Coaxial, Copper cabling are the most commonly used and deployed throughout all [office environments]. With the transitioning of less wired network infrastructure to the pervasive wireless infrastructure [whether] WiFi, DAS, RFID, Bluetooth and GPS, [while] WiFi is the most prevalent wireless technology in any Corporate Real Estate space; more and more office spaces are becoming more adaptive to move, add and change.”
Wireless technology has also become more prevalent in the entire building ecosystem such as building system control and automation, he explains. “Buildings are becoming more intelligent with [the] integration [of] smart devices that can provide building “health check” in a dashboard format. Building owners should embrace big data, analytics and performance tracking to demonstrate value.”
Audio, video and web sharing technology, he adds, “has enabled more effective user collaboration in real time and significantly increase user productivity especially with live video streaming/always on for impromptu office meeting.”
With the advance and maturity of technology and network availability, he explains, “the growing trends are tenants downsizing their offices, particularly larger public firms, as they increasingly adopt policies for sharing non-dedicated offices and implement technology to support their employees to work from anywhere and anytime using any of their own devices *BYOD*.”
Could the new exploding trend of “sharing economy” take hold in CRE, he wonders. “Again, with the ubiquity of technology and the advent of the Internet, it is easier for asset owners and those seeking to use those assets to find each other; hence sharing economies can allow individuals/groups to make money from underused assets and this trend will definitely significantly impact the CRE environment.”
Although we all don't have the time machine that can allow us to leap forward to the future for the next 15 years, some future trend predictions that might catch on in the CRE world, according to Loh include: Mobility including wearable devices will have significant impact in CRE; crowdfunding might become a new way to fund CRE projects; Smart buildings that will be sustainable and energy efficient.
And outside of the office, according to TruAmerica's COO, Lynn Owen, smart home technology is gaining popularity where everything is activated in your apartment home by your smart phone. “You don't need an apartment key or fob. You can lock and unlock with your phone…turn on lights…your Stereo, TV, etc.,” he tells GlobeSt.com. “In some markets it's more than offering a nice appliance package, plank flooring, two-tone paint, base boards, USB ports, and the updated lighting and plumbing packages – and sometimes it's not. You have to know your audience and know when to make that difference.”
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com and GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
