Design and construction firms should keep abreast of the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), as the technology will have to be incorporated in physical infrastructure to realize its promise.
ITS, including self-driving cars, sensors, and other Internet of Things devices, must work in concert to reduce congestion on roads. The technology has to be able to communicate with city infrastructures and systems and with vehicles on the road.
Sensors must be embedded into new and existing roadways, buildings, posts, and signs that gather data from passing vehicles. ITS could also enable intelligent energy management platforms for buildings and cities through insights gleaned from traffic data.
ITS could also help firms identify new hot areas for retail or housing development based on spikes in traffic. In addition, when autonomous vehicles hit the roads in significant numbers, there could be less need for large parking lots and structures. It’s possible that some existing parking facilities could be repurposed for new buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 23, 2020
COVID-19 epidemic demonstrates value of flexible hospital space
Some rooms being repurposed for ICU care.
Codes and Standards | Apr 15, 2020
Embodied carbon footprint can be reduced by using conventional materials
High-SCM concrete, and cellulose and wood fiber insulation among the greener alternatives.
Coronavirus | Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19 alert: City conducts a 'virtual building inspection' to allow Starbucks and bank to open
Bothell, Wash., issues a certificate of occupancy to developer after inspecting the property online.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
Design competition focuses on reducing urban heat island effect
Cool Abu Dhabi aims to transform urban life in the Middle East.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
What building science says about reducing COVID-19 transmission
Impact of temperature and relative humidity is unclear.
Codes and Standards | Apr 9, 2020
Owners retrofitting properties, monitoring performance during epidemic
Covid-19 outbreak may lead employers to reevaluate office commitments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.
