Philadelphia is the birthplace of our country and home to an eclectic mix of historical and modern infrastructure. However, with its rapid development over the years, the number of users is quickly exceeding the original capacity of its built environment. In response to this roadblock, two of our major transportation hubs, Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station, are striving to renovate and revitalize their infrastructure to accommodate growth.

This need creates an incredible opportunity for our industry to improve the quality of life in our city by rethinking infrastructure. As we work to modernize and expand our built environment, we can change how we approach the design to make it smarter, safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve both operators and end-users.

How can we make a building like a beating heart?

While we have that opportunity, this is the time to really design a facility to react and condition itself according to its needs. Different elements of movement, situational awareness, and facilities management can now be monitored and maintained through technology. Therefore, Arora is incorporating components like geo-positioning and movement analytics into the infrastructure, which can alert us to what the building needs to address and solve at a specific point in time. As a result, building operators will be able to manage a facility more efficiently and incorporate more sustainable solutions, which can significantly improve how facilities function, while also decreasing operational costs.

This type of innovation will also enhance the user experience for all, particularly within transportation. Whether you are a passenger who is disabled, an unaccompanied minor, or traveling with a family, advancements in a facility’s interactive digital signage, wayfinding, and mobile applications can put the control back in the hands of the user and significantly improve one’s travel experience. No matter who you are or what your situation is, more intelligent infrastructure can now meet your needs and help you make your own decisions throughout your journey.

I truly believe the spirit and passion of this great sports city drives innovation and inspires us to provide more intelligent solutions for the world around us. As Philadelphia follows a growing trend and continues to invest in major infrastructure improvement, Arora Engineers is excited and prepared to apply these innovative solutions and improve the lives of everyday people in the process.