FM & TECHNOLOGY
OF BANGERS AND BUILDINGS
Do you work in a building whose technology is comparable to an old clunker? Terry Sharp, Vice-President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), believes we should
demand more from our places of work in the same way that we expect certain features as standard on a modern car.
The Aston Martin DB5 tops many petrolheads’ ‘dream car’ lists. Its classic look has taken on iconic status ever since Sean Connery’s James Bond was first introduced to his new, gadget-laden set of wheels in Goldfinger way back in 1964. There are many cars from bygone eras that remain favourites to this day, such as the E-Type Jaguar, the Lotus 7 and the AC Cobra, and original models still fetch huge sums at auction. However, as good as they are to look at, none of them are likely to function, drive or be as comfortable as a modern, standard family saloon.
Technology has progressed in recent times and features that were once perhaps only special additions on a vehicle have become standard on many models.
From automatic climate control and electronic engine management systems to cruise control and automatic rain detection windscreen wipers, there are many features on contemporary cars that we take for granted.
These are no longer just for top-end luxury models, most cars these days have comfort and efficiency systems. We
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are fed data of performance, range, outside temperatures and even our tyre pressures are monitored. Technology pushes further, of course; adaptive cruise control and automatic lane-keeping steering is available and soon driverless cars will be here too.
Windscreens don’t haze with condensation anymore, and air-bags, auto tension seat restraints and crumple zones all contribute to our safe passage. Engine management systems and technology has contributed to improved speeds and efficiencies, while electric cars further enhance energy harvesting from brakes and down-hill free-wheeling.
Anyone lucky or rich enough to own one of the classic cars mentioned earlier is very unlikely to use it as their ‘everyday’ car, in many cases the car might not even make it out of the garage at all. For regular driving and commuting, drivers want comfort, reliability, safety and practicality – things that very few, if any, classic sports cars can offer. With this in mind, it does seem odd that we
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