Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms

Design and construction firms should keep abreast of the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), as the technology will have to be incorporated in physical infrastructure to realize its promise.

ITS, including self-driving cars, sensors, and other Internet of Things devices, must work in concert to reduce congestion on roads. The technology has to be able to communicate with city infrastructures and systems and with vehicles on the road.

Sensors must be embedded into new and existing roadways, buildings, posts, and signs that gather data from passing vehicles. ITS could also enable intelligent energy management platforms for buildings and cities through insights gleaned from traffic data.

ITS could also help firms identify new hot areas for retail or housing development based on spikes in traffic. In addition, when autonomous vehicles hit the roads in significant numbers, there could be less need for large parking lots and structures. It’s possible that some existing parking facilities could be repurposed for new buildings.