Book excerpt: While the concept of "intelligent buildings" was initiated in the U.S., in recent years the Japanese have been at the forefront in rapidly applying new technologies in building designs and applications. This report assesses advances in Japanese intelligent buildings, and the implication of its effects on the U.S. construction industries. Information was obtained from visits to advanced buildings and building complexes in Japan, and interviews with architects, engineers, researchers and academics. Covers: changing characteristics of building users, experiences with new technologies, and forecasts of intelligent building design.