HOW TO consider technology in developments.

Developers need to ensure new homes will not be technologically obsolete.

The construction industry has seen many trends come and go over the last twenty years. One of the recent trends is the evolution and introduction of Smart Communities and Smart Homes, made possible by the proliferation of the associated technologies. These evolving technologies have had a revolutionary impact on the way that we all live and, do business.

Why has this technology been so prolific, and why is there so much interest in Smart' Communities and Smart Homes? In large part, the answer lies in North American demographics. There is a significant shift occurring as we watch the baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, which represent the largest demographic group in history, heading towards retirement. How will we be able to cope with the pressures associated with the demographic shift? How will. we be able to carry on the social service structures that are already in place?

The answer is technology - the use of which will help ensure that our quality of life does not suffer.

Today's computer systems' are capable of controlling and managing the entire home through integration with the Internet to provide more information and better control of the environment. For example, this technology can enable one to directly access schools, teachers, medical facilities, doctors, nurses, homecare providers, shopping, banking, maintenance services, weather and news information through high-speed telecommunication. This can be achieved from the "family desktop" using high-speed fibre optics that can remove any barriers hindering that process.

The standard home today is using wiring designed 50 years ago for applications that were never conceived of at the time. Homes and communities must be wired for the requirements of today's homeowner, as well as of future products not yet designed. Old-fashioned wiring is not capable of adequate performance for real-time interactive video conferencing and the advancements in home networks. The wiring of yesterday has given us 50 years of good service, but it is now time to keep pace with the technological revolution. Home builders and community developers must ensure that today's new homes and commercial developments will not be technologically obsolete, effectively preventing people from experiencing and realizing the potential value of today's Smart Home and vision for Smart Communities.

One of the greatest challenges for older...