| With project monitoring using webcam technology well-established in the commercial sector, architects and other stakeholders in the high-end residential refurbishment sector could soon be enjoying the benefits of similar technology too. Thanks to the initiative of Michael Brady Ltd, an upmarket London-based builder specialising in residential refurbishments in the city's prestigious W1 post code area, the Web is set to bring highly mobile architects, developers, builders and high-spending end-customers even closer. The secret lies in the use of webcams located in key parts of the building, enabling authorised viewers to use a PC and Web access to see high-quality live images of progress from anywhere in the world - a boon for busy architects, developers and globally-mobile clients. Does this portend things to come, or is it just another publicity gimmick? Séamus Cusack, of builders Michael Brady Ltd, who claim to have probably refurbished the most luxurious apartments in London for the past three years, comments: “From our work with leading partnerships we believe this technology will offer massive benefits for all parties - not least for the already time-poor architect.” Alfred Munkenbeck of Munkenbeck & Marshall, a leading architectural practice with an enviable portfolio of creative refurbishment, comments: “Trust lies at the heart of the architect's relationship with the builder and the other main participants. As an architect, having a quality builder with nothing to hide - and the initiative to introduce technology to increase transparency and reassure everybody involved - is extremely valuable.” Even if they don't have ears, it looks likely that the walls of many a Mayfair apartment may soon have their own high-tech eyes during future refurbishments. |