Theory of an Intelligent Planning Unit for the Complex Built Environment
AbstractThis paper develops the theory of an intelligent planning unit (IPU) as a new thought process. The theory of an IPU is designed to (1) enable the complex built environment system to be more intelligent; (2) standardize the complex physical entities and processes at a modular scale; (3) accumulate the knowledge at different levels of complexity for IPU refinement and control; and (4) provide the decision-makers with timely and accurate information for better decision-making. An IPU can be developed by breaking down the physical entities and processes in the complex built environment system into carefully planned units (even nanoscale units). An IPU can be implemented in three phases (i.e., IPU planning, IPU application, and IPU network). This paper illustrates the theory of an IPU as a holistic approach using the smart photovoltaic system blind as one of the sustainable management strategies. The IPU case scenario illustrates the strategy, design, replication, combination, interaction, and refineme...