Sky Studios, Hounslow, UK, and the internet of things

The topic of intelligent buildings is emergent in the industry and is evolving quickly. So, any case study necessarily shows a freeze frame of development in time that gives them a particular context. Leading up to a case study are the built precedents that offer inspiration and lessons learnt as well as academic development and thought leadership. Sky Studios (Box 16.1) is no exception, and many of the elements integrated into the design and construction thinking started life in earlier buildings by the practice. And while it illustrates the many facets of development in intelligence in buildings, it is also a platform to consider the future – with each project we strive to do more with less and better than before. This particular combination of technology-defining client, a young and vibrant workforce and a vision from the leadership of Sky that the business must lead from the front gives a unique opportunity to look confidently to the future. During the design and execution of Sky Studios, technologies within the built environment and society's acceptance of data and information being shared moved forward. The building breaks new ground in a variety of ways and integrates new technologies throughout, but because of the risks to Sky's business it was not a test bed for radical experimental technologies but, rather, demonstrated exciting innovation using proven technologies for this first building in the new master plan. Nevertheless, the unique opportunities offered by Sky leads us to look to the future.