Exploring the tends now shaping the modern built environment, and why the right IT infrastructure is key for smarter, sustainable, resilient spaces.
The built environment is undergoing a significant transformation. Buildings are no longer just physical spaces, they are becoming digital ecosystems powered by smart systems, data analytics and sustainable technologies.
However, as construction demands rise, there is a growing pressure to cut operational costs while also meeting ambitious sustainability targets to reduce climate impacts and conserve resources.
This presents both opportunities for developers, architects and contractors, and success depends on integrating the right IT infrastructure from the outset. Getting it wrong risks inefficiencies, spiralling costs, and buildings that will quickly become outdated or non-compliant with future sustainability initiatives.
Here we explore the four key trends that are driving the design and operation of built spaces and how the right IT infrastructure is needed to support smarter, sustainable developments.
Hyper-connected buildings
The integration of IoT devices, sensors and smart systems are already creating hyper-connected buildings. Globally, the number of IOT deployments in the commercial building sector is projected to more than double to 4.12 billion by 2030 1. These deployments include devices such as occupancy sensors, smart lighting, HVAC controls and access control systems, all which communicate with one another to improve operational efficiency and functionality.
However, this level of connectivity only works if there is a solid IT foundation in place. Robust fibre infrastructure, resilient, high-speed networks (private or otherwise) and cloud-based platforms are essential for supporting large data volumes and maintaining uptime. Without this, developments risk bottlenecks and costly inefficiencies.
AI-driven operations
AI is becoming central to building operations and management systems, particularly for sustainable practices and ESG reporting. For example, AI-powered systems can:
- Predict maintenance needs and anticipate equipment failures before they happen.
- Automatically identify areas contributing to emission and waste and optimise energy consumption.
- Analyse occupant behaviour to inform dynamic environment adjustments (e.g. lighting, temperature and security) 2.
And the benefits of these systems are clear:
- Reduced downtime and maintenance costs
- Improved energy efficiency and sustainability outcomes
- Enhanced occupant comfort and productivity
However, the potential of these AI-driven systems depends primarily on data quality, as well as security, integration and compatibility, and scalability3. And data generation alone is not enough.
A secure, scalable and well-integrated IT infrastructure is therefore needed to support the generation and flow of data between devices and analytic platforms, and turn these AI insights into actionable outcomes – from energy savings to improved tenant experience.
Sustainability by design
Due to increasing environmental pressures, regulations and targets, sustainability is no longer optional. The World Green Building Council reports that the building and construction sector is globally responsible for 35% of energy consumption, 50% of resource consumption, and 38% of energy-related carbon emissions4. With the UK committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, and London becoming a zero-carbon by 2030, developers must embed sustainability into their projects from the start.
Digital tools, such as building performance simulations, energy monitoring systems, and digital twins are helping to reduce energy consumption, optimise resource use and cut carbon footprints. Physical strategies, such as the “dig once” philosophy, the rise of “circular economies”, and the emerging idea of “shared infrastructure” (which has had notable success in Sweden) also help to avoid duplication and further minimise embodied carbon.
Early planning and design of the right digital infrastructure is key. Developers can avoid unnecessary and costly retrofits, reduce construction costs, and accelerate deployment, all while enhancing and supporting the building’s sustainability and adaptability.
Enhanced security and resilience
As buildings become more interconnected, the risk of system failures, outages and cyber-attacks grows. It is reported that the UK economy lost approximately £17.6bn in economic output in 2024 due to internet and connectivity outages, with the London economy accounting for approximately £5.7bn of that loss5.
While the direct financial fallout of a system failure or outage can be significant, the wider impact to a building or tenant’s productivity, reputation and compliance can be far greater. This is why resilient IT infrastructure expertise and design must be considered as a priority for a development, rather than an afterthought.
Redundancy and segmentation, secure access protocols, real-time monitoring and proactive alerts are just some of the key measures that ensure buildings and businesses remain digitally secure and operational even in the face of a system failure or outage.
Equally important is the physical resilience of networks. Fibre optic sensing technologies are emerging to help detect threats and prevent accidental or construction-related damage, while enterprise-grade fibre, switches and network design help to maintain uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity, even in high demand or high risk environments.
Preparing for the future
It goes without saying that the future is going to see the built environment continue to evolve. Hyper-connectivity, AI, sustainability, and resilience will continue to define modern buildings. Collaborating early with all stakeholders during the design and construction stages ensures that developments are supported by the right IT infrastructure.
The result? Smarter, greener and more efficient spaces that attract investors and tenants, provide high ROIs and long-term value for developers and landlords, and meet environmental and regulatory obligations.
Integrating IT early ensures that today’s developments will be ready for the opportunities of the future. Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to design and deliver buildings that are smart, sustainable and resilient. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next development project.
References:
- Memoori, (2025), IOT Devices In Smart Connected Buildings 2025 to 2030
- Johnson Controls, (2024), How AI is Transforming the Built Environment
- World Green Building Council, (2025), The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment
- Assembly, (2024), A report for Vorboss: Reliability and Compensation in the business connectivity market
