Nearly three-fifths of respondents (60%) to a recent survey by Multifamily Design + Construction magazine (a BD+C sister publication) had included free WiFi in a project in the last 24 months; this trend will surely accelerate in the near future as free WiFi becomes more or less a given for marketing purposes in the multifamily arena.
Smart technology like individual metering (48.3%), electric vehicle charging stations (an encouraging 42.0%), and fiber optic service (37.9%) are clearly catching on with developers and designers. Nearly one in four (24.7%) have placed a smart home system (such as Nest) into a project.
More than one in five (21.3%) respondents said they had built phone-charging stations into their complexes.
Some brave pioneers are experimenting with exciting new concepts like co-working spaces (27.6%) and so-called “maker spaces,” innovation centers, or incubator spaces (10.9%).
Is this movement toward individualized smart technology a signal that the days of the “computer room” or business center are numbered? Think about this: What could you do with that valuable found space?
More results from the MFDC survey to come next week.
Business services amenities:
Free Building-wide WiFi: 59.8%
Conference Room: 48.3%
Individually Metered Utilities: 48.3%
Business Center: 42.0%
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: 42.0%
High-speed Fiber Optic Service: 37.9%
Computer Room/Lounge: 36.8%
Media Room/Media Center: 29.3%
Base: 174
Source: Multifamily Design + Construction Reader Survey, June-July 2017
Related Stories
Sponsored | | Nov 15, 2021
How TDK Construction Saves Time and Money with EXACOR™ MgO Panels: Getting in on the Ground Level
Smart decisions made at the start of multifamily design-builds can improve efficiency on the job site, keeping projects on-time and on-budget, so you can make your properties profitable sooner. TDK Construction did just that on a recent luxury apartment project in Tennessee.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 14, 2021
How to build better parking for multifamily housing projects
In designing and building multifamily projects, parking determines everything from site suitability to the building’s footprint to revenue optimization.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 9, 2021
MAD Architects unveils One River North design
The project is set to rise in Denver.
Hotel Facilities | Nov 3, 2021
California’s Hotel del Coronado is finishing up the final piece to its Master Plan
A 75-residence Shore House will be family oriented and meeting commodious.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 3, 2021
Courthouse becomes mixed-income housing development
The project is located in Worcester, Mass.
Adaptive Reuse | Nov 1, 2021
CallisonRTKL explores converting decommissioned cruise ships for housing
The rapid increase in cruise ship decommissioning during the last 18 months has created a unique opportunity to innovate and adapt these large ships.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 31, 2021
Developer chooses ductless HVAC system for the Lofts at Empire Yards
Georgia developer chooses ductless systems for their performance, quiet operation, and efficiency 'in a nice, sleek package.'
Multifamily Housing | Oct 31, 2021
Propane tankless water heaters conserve water and energy
Propane tankless water heaters offer efficient, on-demand hot water for multifamily buildings.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021
14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design
The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 22, 2021
A plan to solve California's housing crisis
A framework for workforce housing, environmental repair and economic balance.
