Designing the third millennium's buildings

This chapter provides an overview of issues related to building design in the third millennium, illustrating the design strategies to achieve maximum building efficiency, sustainability, and architectural quality. An in-depth presentation of concepts and requirements for zero-energy, green, and smart buildings is given, highlighting the main strategies and technical and technological design solutions. A new and inedited definition of smart buildings is introduced, responding fully to the needs of the architecture of the 21st century and in line with the new concept of smart cities. Particular attention is given to the envelope and how to make it “smart” by virtue of the new and extensive possibilities offered by nanotechnologies and smart materials. Lastly, an outlook on the importance of energy management systems and “internet of things” to achieve a smart building is presented.