Renata Hartle took center stage at the SMART BUILDING CONFERENCE – ISE BARCELONA 2024, offering a captivating narrative of her role in transforming the urban landscape through smart building innovations. As a seasoned professional, she began by recounting how a Spanish developer enlisted her expertise to organize a technological masterpiece for their ambitious 24,000-square-meter office building at Barcelona.
The Heart of Barcelona
Hartle kicked off her talk by providing insights into Barcelona, a project initiated 24 years ago to rejuvenate a 200-hectare industrial expanse into a cutting-edge innovation district. Initially known as the Catalan Manchester, the area faced decline with the end of the Industrial Revolution. However, with the infusion of modern urban planning and incentives for housing and technology companies, Barcelona emerged as a blend of contemporary and historic spaces. Old factories were transformed into lofts and art galleries, creating a dynamic and creative atmosphere.
Connecting Past and Present
Sharing her personal journey, Hartle revealed her early involvement with Skanska, a prominent Swedish estate developer. Her passion for facilitating innovation workshops led to her pivotal role in shaping Skanska’s focus on innovation. Eventually, she transitioned to CERS, one of the largest real estate advisers, driven by the desire to consult on smart building strategies. In 2019, Spain beckoned, and Hartle found herself at the forefront of a groundbreaking project in Barcelona’s district.
The Challenge of Smart Transformation
Navigating through the challenges, Hartle detailed the ups and downs of implementing smart building solutions at Barcelona. A strategic RFP (Request for Proposal) for an integrated tenant platform faced unexpected hurdles when the initially chosen platform was acquired and discontinued in Europe. Value engineering decisions also led to complications, including changes in access control readers and the adoption of an unfamiliar product from Finland.
Lessons Learned and the Smart Building Matrix
Through testing, commissioning, and collaborative efforts, the Barcelona project successfully overcame obstacles. Hartle emphasized the critical lessons learned, particularly the importance of clear communication between the smart strategy and engineering teams. She introduced her Smart Building Matrix, an elaborate document describing each component, functionality, and data flow in the building. This, she argued, prevents unforeseen issues, such as incompatible elevators or access control systems.
The Future of Smart Buildings
As the project reached fruition, Hartle reflected on the broader implications of smart buildings. She stressed the value of integrated management, operational savings, and data-driven decision-making. Referencing the Smart Score, she positioned herself as a key ambassador, advocating for a global standard in smart building technology.
Renata Hartle’s journey at Barcelona showcases the transformative power of technology in reshaping urban landscapes. From the revitalization of an industrial zone to the intricate challenges of smart building implementation, her experiences offer a roadmap for future endeavors. As she continues her mission to digitalize real estate, Hartle stands as a beacon, guiding the industry toward a future where technology seamlessly integrates with the built environment.
