Until quite recently, communication and control systems were designed, installed, and wired by separate teams, often without common coordination and using different control centers and wire-ways. With the coming of computer-based systems and increasing integration and interfacing between them, architects and engineers need to consider both initial requirements and future expansion and changes in a wide range of systems that may include, not only conventional telecommunications and environmental controls, but also new technologies that interface fire alarm and security systems, energy and facilities management, electronic mail and satellite communication together in host systems that utilize common control centers, vertical wire shafts, and horizontal distribution wiring with eventual random access to prospective subsystems and work stations.

This paper examines current practices in Premises Distribution Systems in individual buildings and on campuses and looks forward to future development and new technologles. The economic aspects of building automation are also discussed briefly as they relate to types and sizes of new and retrofit buildings.

Units: Dual