In this episode, we talk with Fabio Zaniboni, founder and CEO of BubblyNet and chief vision officer at Zaniboni Lighting, about AI in smart building design and redefining buildings as intelligent, adaptive systems with AI and smart technologies. We discuss innovations that are breaking down engineering silos, boosting efficiency, and advancing sustainability.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Fabio Zaniboni:
- How will technology and AI in smart building design influence the future of both the lighting industry and the wider building sector?
- What potential do AI driven HVAC systems have for achieving significant energy savings through occupancy based efficiency adjustments?
- How could embedded accelerometers and other sensors provide structural engineers with valuable real-time data during earthquakes?
- How is AI in smart building design or advanced software being used in ways comparable to the complex modeling tools structural engineers rely on?
- What are some common misconceptions about wireless versus wired building control systems, and how does mesh technology address those concerns?
- How can smart building technologies and data collection help building owners meet ambitious carbon reduction targets like New York City’s Local Law 97?
- What is one final piece of advice you offer structural engineers seeking to innovate in building design and operations?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How AI in Smart Building Design Is Helping Engineers Build Adaptive Data-Driven Structures:
- Technology and AI in smart building design break down traditional silos in engineering by linking data from multiple disciplines to create smarter, more adaptive buildings. As computing power increases and electronics become smaller, the industry gains the ability to embed sensors almost anywhere, transforming how buildings function.
- AI driven HVAC systems deliver significant energy savings by predicting occupancy patterns and adjusting temperature and load in advance. By integrating motion sensors, people counting technology, and building thermal data, these systems optimize comfort while reducing equipment size and energy use.
- Embedded accelerometers and vibration sensors provide valuable real-time data during seismic events, showing exactly how a structure responds under stress. This information validates design assumptions, improves safety measures, and guides the creation of stronger buildings in the future.
- AI and advanced software dramatically speed up design related calculations, reducing tasks that once took hours to just seconds. These tools increase productivity and allow engineers to focus more on higher-level design and problem-solving.
- A common misconception is that wired building control systems are more secure than wireless ones. Modern mesh wireless technology with advanced encryption offers strong security, constant updates, and flexibility that many wired systems cannot match.
- Smart building technologies and data collection support carbon reduction goals by providing verified, real-time measurements of energy use and emissions. Automated controls driven by AI adjust building operations for maximum efficiency, making compliance with laws like New York City’s Local Law 97 measurable and achievable.
- Engineers who want to innovate in building design benefit from experimenting with emerging technologies, even before they are fully mature. Early adopters play a critical role in advancing the industry and enabling better performing, more efficient structures.
More Details in This Episode…
About Fabio Zaniboni:
Fabio Zaniboni is a technology leader with over two decades of experience in sustainable innovation, digital transformation, and the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in the lighting industry. Currently, he is the founder and CEO of BubblyNet and chief vision officer of Zaniboni Lighting. His career, including key roles at Emerson Electric and Comau Robotics, has provided him with a global perspective and deep market insights. Leading an R&D team, Zaniboni focuses on integrating advanced technologies to drive energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment through scalable applications. His research shared with Fortune 500 companies globally demonstrates how factors such as light, sound, and air affect well-being and are driving smarter, more sustainable building solutions.
About the Hosts
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT
Alex Daddow is a registered professional engineer in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in architectural engineering. Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2019, Alex was a consulting engineer working on podium structures, custom housing, bridges, historic retrofits, schools, and advanced foundation systems. He is now a senior strengthening solutions engineer and educates the industry on composite systems throughout the Pacific and Western regions. Alex also works directly with specifiers, installers, contractors, and plan reviewers, assisting them with the technical aspects of designing and building composite strengthening systems.
Sources/References:
Bubbly Net
Zaniboni Lighting
Comau
Fiat Group
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Autodesk
California State University
University of California, Berkeley
Tesla Model X
Bluetooth
Local Law 97 (New York City)
Local Law 88 (New York City)
Connect with Fabio Zaniboni on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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