Space Matrix Design Consultants’ out-of-the-box workplace named [β] Lab in Gurugram incorporates Smart Technology to create stimulating and productive environments. 

The rapid advancements in technology has transformed various aspects of our lives, including how we work. The latest trend is to integrate smart technology in office design to create a more efficient, connected and productive work environment. Taking advantage of smart lighting, connectivity tools, space utilisation analytics, security systems and wellness solutions, offices can optimise their operations, enhance employee experiences and achieve a competitive edge over the others. 

Following a similar ideology Space Matrix Design Consultants has designed an innovative office where they have ulilised Smart Technology to create a stimulating work environment for their [β] Lab office space in Gurugram. This office reflects their vision and also provides their prospective clients with a vision of how they could incorporate selective technology in their own workspace.

Breaking away from the mundane workspace design [β] Lab has designed an open-innovation ecosystem that accelerates experimentation and evolution of workplace design. Explaining the design concept, Swaviman Das, Director-Design, Space Matrix says, “This office serves as a testing ground for diverse work environments, allowing clients to experience and customise solutions. Our workspace offers immersive experiences that elevate the senses, provides varied microenvironments quintessential for an emerging workplace, and integrates technology for seamless interactions.”

Design and Concept

An eye-catching entrance with subtle infusions of warm colours, biophilia, art, and a rustic double-height door leads one into the office. [β] Lab has a fluid layout, with each space flowing seamlessly into the next. But despite this, each zone remains distinct for the purpose it serves. The ground floor has several smaller open meeting spaces sans the walls. This leads to the step-seating area, which is a more open, casual collaboration zone where people can sit, chat, brainstorm, or relax and enjoy a movie screening. These steps further lead up to the hushed work zones that are designed for individuals. Here the thoughtful balance of colours and textures are used to stimulate the individual experience. There is a special dedicated Sound-Proofed Den with acoustic features, halo mood-lighting, and soundproofing where individuals can work with loud music without disturbing others. Another highlight is the Material Library that showcases the newest and most innovative textures, materials, and finishes. Clients can test physical samples and explore digital Apps to visualise their material choices.

The office enables the reconfiguration of spaces to accommodate different kinds of meetings and interactions. Lightweight tables and screens allow for impromptu setups. Plus, the office incorporates wellness strategies and elements, promoting employee well-being. This includes air purification systems and other wellness-focused initiatives.

Smart Technology Used 

Smart Technology contributes significantly to this experiential concept created for this office. They have a comprehensive system that uses the latest IoT technology platform that integrates building and lighting management systems with workplace technologies and AV systems. The platform can be intuitively operated through the Space Matrix App (SpaceXP), which lets all individuals regulate and customise their immediate micro-environment as per their pre-set preferences in an extremely intuitive manner, without any intervention. For clients and guests who are visiting for the first time, the [β] Lab experience starts long before they even step inside. The SpaceXP App kicks in as soon as a meeting is set up — it registers new guests, logs in their identification details, sends meeting reminders and even helps them find their way to the workspace. On arrival, the App guides them to a parking space, checks them into the facility and shows them the way to the correct meeting room. There, the guest can customise the light and temperature to comfortable levels. And the next time they come in for a meeting, the system will remember their lighting, HVAC and even coffee preferences!

One can admire the intelligent lighting control throughout the office space. It may include features such as automated lighting schedules, occupancy sensors, and adjustable lighting levels based on user preferences or natural light conditions.

The office also incorporates advanced security systems to ensure the safety and protection of the office space. This may involve access control systems, surveillance cameras, and monitoring solutions to enhance security measures.

Coming to the conferencing rooms, they are equipped with smart technology to facilitate seamless and efficient communication and collaboration. This may include features such as video conferencing systems, audio equipment, interactive displays, and intuitive control interfaces for easy operation and integration with other smart office technologies.

Overall, the [β] Lab aims to create the workplace of the future through tailored and cutting-edge solutions.

Reference Guide:  

System Integration:  Space Matrix Design Consultants

Conferencing Solutions: Owl Labs, Logitech and Aver Video Conferencing Solutions

Security Systems: Salto Access Control Systems

Touch Screens Displays: Newline Touch screen displays

Office Lighting: Multiple brands are used majority are custom 

Occupancy Sensors and Motion Sensors: Schneider Electric 

Monitoring Energy Efficiency: Honeywell Tridium BMS systems

Shading Controls: Somfy Motorized Blinds 

The post Enhancing Productivity Through Smart Technology. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

“The smart home market is being fueled by reasons such as a fast-paced lifestyle, rising urbanization, and surplus income. As more individuals become digitally savvy and educated, they make decisions that necessitate the use of smart technology devices such as smartphones and tablets,” said Ar. Prashant Sutaria, Architect & Owner of P.S.A. “As a result, the older generation can join the younger generation in the smart technology era.”

Which consumer groups are opting for smart homes the most?

The millennial generation is well-educated and well-acquainted with technology; customers who frequently use smartphones, tablets, and laptops are also users of smart home technologies. The simple availability of smartphones/tablets, as well as Wi-Fi/internet at home, is a major driver of industry expansion.

Please mention some of the must-have smart home products in today’s homes.

Any smart home ideally should have a central hub that can communicate and integrate various products used in the home. The other must-haves include the integration of an air conditioning system, home theater, and music system, this helps in saving the power bills and delivers a wholesome experience to the user.

What role do system integrators play when it comes to designing a smart home? How important is their role?

Each company has its own products solutions, requiring the use of a system integrator to consolidate, finish and advise the client on the smart home solution’s successful execution. If the system is not interconnected, we may be forced to rely on the information supplied by the manufacturer. System integration is critical in determining which technology is right and appropriate for a certain project. System integration is critical in determining which technology is right and appropriate for a certain project.

Products of which category (lighting, security, entertainment, etc.) witness maximum demand when it comes to integrating smart home devices while doing the interiors? Why?

Security comes first for my clients, followed by lighting, and finally entertainment. Most entertainment systems include a remote control, and incorporating it into a smart solution makes your house more technologically advanced. My clientele, on the other hand, are more concerned about security and illumination than they are about entertainment.

What would the benefits of Smart & connected homes in the current “tech-savvy-era” be?

The main advantages of a smart linked home, in my opinion, are increased security, especially if you have young children or elderly parents at home. Second, it aids in offering theft protection and deterrence. People nowadays live in nuclear families and in greater isolation than in urban regions, therefore home security is a significant benefit. Another benefit of smart home solutions is the ability to save money on energy costs by combining your lights, air conditioning, and bathroom water heater. It also aids in the creation of an absolutely cutting-edge living experience, which many of my clients need.

How would you define the current demand for smart home integrations?

The demand for smart home integration is now concentrated in high-end projects. The smart home system is also well-developed in the smaller but luxury segment of apartments in urban centers such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Other areas where smart home solutions are being employed include the hospitality industry and the business sector.

In which sector (hospitality, commercial, residential), traditional devices and techniques are getting rapidly displaced to make room for smart devices and systems, aided with the latest technologies? And why?

The benefit of using smart home solutions in hospitality is that we can provide a better customer experience while also reducing power consumption. We can integrate the smart home solution with our BMS and study a variety of behavioral patterns, allowing us to provide a better user experience while reducing power consumption. Smart home systems for business buildings are extremely user-friendly. Many solutions, including parking sensors, entry-exit monitors, and AI-based CCTV surveillance, are now possible thanks to the internet of things. In terms of advanced functioning, we can link the various sections of the office with the schedules of office workers, and things like usage of the conference room, guest admission, and visitor parking access can all be added to the system and used and monitored effectively.

In what ways do you think the concept of smart homes has contributed to the lifestyles of the working professionals?

Programming various gadgets with those who have a fixed lifestyle might help them enter into their daily routines more efficiently in terms of lifestyle for working professionals. For folks who have a fast but routine Monday to Friday day cycle, we can incorporate lighting scene production from morning to night time. Different kitchen and home gadgets can be set to boost efficiency and save time. Remote monitoring of youngsters at home can be quite beneficial to a working mother.

Do you see any challenging factor (economic, social, environmental, etc.) that has a strong potential to restrain the smart home industry? What, according to you are the possible solutions?

As a professional, I am concerned about unauthorized access to and hacking of these facilities. I believe that technology can help to solve these problems.

How do you foresee the Smart home industry 5 years down the line?

This industry gives me a lot of hope. This business will only double every couple of years due to advances in AI, 5G/6G in telecom, and rapid urbanization.

The post In Conversation With Prashant Sutaria, Architect/Owner at P.S.A. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.