Intelligence today is not only a quality of living things but buildings too! One such building in the city is that of Smithkline Beecham Pharmaceuticals on Cunningham Road. The building is a combination of exceptional architecture, construction and interiors. It has 6 floors and 2 basements with Mr V Narasimhan of Venkataramanan Associates as the architect. And the office furnishings have been done by 'Interics'. This intelligent office is run by 'Building Automation System', which controls the vital services of the building. The technologically advanced systems used, make the work environment more flexible, inspirational and cost-effective at Smithkline Beecham.

The Building Automation System, a new technology, is pre-programmed to ensure smooth functioning of air-conditioners, electricity, elevators, fire systems and the generators. The software used is 'Metasys', an advanced technology in building maintenance. 'Johnson Controls' has taken care of every floor in terms of security and comfort.

The air-conditioners are connected to the Building Automation System, which switches off the systems when it senses that a particular floor does not need the air-conditioner. Mr B V Ravi, assistant manager of the technical operations department says, "I'm privileged to be a part of this new technology. I control the operations on my desk top, all I have to do is override to make the required changes

." Depending on the intensity of the daylight, the outside lights get switched on by design. They function on the Lux metre value, wherein the sensors detect a difference in the natural light. In case of excess carbon-di-oxide due to parking, the exhaust fans automatically switch on in the basement. In terms of its construction, the building is designed in such a way as to make optimum use of energy. The windows of the building are placed in such a direction so as to make maximum use of sunlight. It also takes care of the external environment, the upper half of the building is set such that the huge rain tree can spread its canopy. The builders of Smithkline Beecham are Shapoorji Pallonji

Company Ltd from Mumbai. Each floor has smoke detectors, one above and one below the false ceiling and smoking is strictly prohibited in the premises of Smithkline Beecham. After working hours, an invisible infrared beam runs around the perimeter of the compound, registering the entry of any person, the alarm turns on. This is their state-of-the-art surveillance security system.

"It feels good to be working here, there was a lot of involvement by the employees in the making of the interiors of this office," says Shoba Murthy, an executive in the corporate communications department. Adding to all the facilities, the 6th floor known as the 'executive floor' has the cabins of the VPs and MD with an exclusive boardroom and video-conferencing facility for employees to speak face-to-face from any office across the world. So, if you think you can't have a positive influence on the environment, think again. The choices you make on the buildings you design, work or live in can and do make a difference!

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