Digital Twin Applications: A Framework for Responsive, Resilient and Interconnected Architecture and Urbanism

A digital twin is the as-built replica of a physical setting. It’s the most advanced form of a digital representation following Building Information Modelling (BIM) and City Information Modelling (CIM). Applications of Digital Twins (DTs) are foreseen to transform the built environment into dynamic, responsive and interconnected settings. Yet, the potential of DTs applications for the life cycle of a built asset is to be investigated. This book chapter explores DTs applications in the built environment and investigates their potential as a framework for achieving responsive, interconnected, and resilient architecture and urbanism. The book chapter presents a state-of-art review based on AEC industry directions (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), real-case applications, and research explorations. The findings of this book chapter highlight DT applications as potential gears for the digital transformation of the built environment with a particular lens on the life cycle of a built asset. This book chapter, also, contributes to the body of knowledge by illustrating real cases of city-scale DTs and their associated applications as a practical framework for responsive, resilient, and interconnected architecture and urbanism.