The Impact of Digital Twins in Architecture and Design: A Comprehensive Guide for Architects

What Are Digital Twins in Architecture?

Digital twins sounds like the next generation of AI being brought to life. In a way, it is. 

Imagine taking a real-world model and applying computational engineering to it. In simple talk, you're creating a digital world with an actual building present in real life. It sounds confusing. It's truly fascinating!

Technology in architecture is growing. Good or bad, using a pencil and calculator to design and build isn't really feasible any longer. With technology, we can take incredible ideas and make them reality. Just look at all of the ways technology is playing a role in architecture right now. 

• Create incredibly unique shapes and designs.

• Capture very precise climate control solutions.

• Replicate the natural wonders of the world. 

• Build with less investment without cheap results.

• Go higher, deeper, and balance in the air with ease.

In its simplest of forms, a digital twin is simply a replica of a product in a software program. We take the complex real-world structure and put it into a computer program. That means we can use technology to manipulate that information. You can study it. You can plan maintenance tasks based on various scenarios. Technology even allows architects to think in new ways. 

Where does the digital twin concept for architecture come from? Manufacturing. In fact, in the 1970s and 80s, digital models helped design solutions for cars and space. Then, it was often used for simulation exercises. 

NASA used it to find out why the Apollo 13 accident took place in 1970. That's where the concept originated. It wanted to test real-time survival solutions should another space accident happen again.

Speed through time to 2003. Before this, no one knew what a digital twin was. It wasn't given that name. That year, University of Michigan computer engineer Michael Grieves used the term to discuss product lifecycle management. 

Digital twins enable an in-depth understanding of any concept. It lets us develop simulations to test various concepts. Run those tests over and over again. There's no risk in the digital space. Test ideas and concepts. Build something new. 

There's much to learn about what digital twins are. Take a closer look at these concepts. Let's get the science out of the way before we dive into what digital twin architecture means for next-generation architects. That includes you!

What Are Digital Twins?

 A digital twin is a representation of a physical asset in a digital format. It may include bridges, buildings, cars, intricate parts of a structure, or complex heating systems. They are far more dynamic than static models. They are, in concept, living models. 

Digital twins are not just a copy and paste of architectural drawings in a software program. Instead, they evolve in real-time. 

Ever wonder how many times a person must walk over flooring to create a wear pattern? Probably not. With digital twins, you can see when that happens. 

Digital twins communicate uniquely. They can communicate with their real-work counterpart. That enables data exchange. When we apply this concept to architecture, drop in artificial intelligence, and IoT, we learn the intricate details of how spaces work. We also learn how they work together. 

Digital twins are dynamic. Explore the depths of a 20-story building to learn the stressors on the 7th-floor structural components. Gain incredible detail about how an overhang on a single-story home handles hurricane-strength wind from various angles. 

With digital twins, we gain information. That leads to problem-solving. It also aids in developing highly effective future cities. 

How digital twins differ from BIM

Building information modeling (BIM) is a long-used tool. Both BIM and digital twins represent physical spaces. The difference is in how. BIM 3D models create visualizing opportunities. They focus on the design and construction of an asset. Digital twins focus on the interactions with that asset. Here are some differences:

• BIM models focus on the design intent of the building. They depict how characteristics and dependencies exist. 

• Digital twins are virtual environments. Use them over and over again with different applications. Track milestones. Get a deep understanding of how these spaces work. 

• Digital twins use IOT. They provide real-time data. BIM models are static and do not.

Both work together. We can use BIM to design and build a space. Then, digital twins can be used to maintain that structure over time. Pretty beneficial when used together. 

The Benefits of Digital Twins for Architects

Why invest in that much information? We live in a time where data is everywhere. You have been told many times to capture that data. Digital twins provide more than just the cool factor. They actually offer critical benefits architects need to remain competitive today. 

Consider some of the benefits of digital twins in architecture. 

Enhanced visualization and real-time monitoring.

At the heart, a digital twin provides insights into the way a structure functions. It's visual. It's real-time. It enables engineering teams, maintenance crews, and owners to monitor conditions with enhanced visualization. 

In all forms, digital twins enable the collection of operational data over time. This can capture:

• End-user experiences

• Product information

• Asset performance

• Cost-savings opportunities

• Enhanced understanding of user adoption

• Marketing and sales insights

• Engineering concepts

You can see just how extensive the data can be. We can use it for dozens of applications to achieve many goals. 

What is the big deal?

Carefully placed sensors can monitor the stability of bridge pylons. Weaknesses mean there is already a risk. With digital twins, we can use real data to predict when those weaknesses will occur before they do. The reality is prevention opportunities. 

It's always less expensive to prevent a problem than to fix it. With real-time data, we can react sooner.

Improved design processes and testing scenarios.

Just how much wind can a rooftop handle before it blows off? Which roofing material can handle various climates better? Humidity, wear and tear, wind, and many other factors all play a role in this. With digital twins, we can use real data to calculate the difference. 

Digital twins are identical to real-life structures. They let architects identify and address changes earlier. That includes the design process. This creates virtual validation. It is far less costly to make changes digitally than to reconstruct a building.

This technology enables design creativity. It then enables testing. There's no expensive process to determining which direction a property should face or when a material will fail. Yet, the reality is very clear. 

Predictive maintenance and cost savings.

Here's the big question architects want to know. Can all of this tech save money? Yes, there's a cost to implementing this technology. It's a pretty big one out of the gate. But, it's also a money saver. That's not just one time, either. Consider a few ways:

• Increased efficiency. Lower energy costs. Better ESG compliance. Optimizing your building's material efficiency. All terms your property owners want to hear. 

• Improved productivity. Use digital twins to test out the working environment. Use various layouts and schematics to determine where the best level of product lies. 

• Apply various ways to heat, cool, and power a building. Determine which saves energy. 

• Reduce waste products from design to concept. Consider various applications to reduce overall cost implications. 

• Maximize uptime. With digital twins, you are making use of every hour of labor you have. 

• Reduce safety risks. That lowers liability costs. It also improves project success and the company's reputation when mistakes don't happen.

• Find solutions to problems sooner. Digital twins often help you avoid those problems. If they do arrive, you have strategies to fix them.

• Predictive maintenance management is easier and more time-effective. 

The list goes on. There are multiple ways in which digital twins can save architects and project owners money. That does not even account for the time savings and direct reduction of impact on the planet as well. 

Optimizing the lifecycle of buildings for sustainability.

Digital twins create an opportunity to capitalize on sustainability in numerous ways:

• Simulate the use of various building materials

• Capture data about building health in real-time en

• Determine the lifecycle of one product over another 

• Determine what level of window shades reduces heat gain

• Run potential scenarios for plumbing systems 

Visualization. Forecasting. Decision making. All are simpler when you know what's going to happen. Digital twins provide that type of in-depth information. That means architects can construct and build for optimal lifestyles. They can build for maximum stability. Every investment is a smart one. Pretty interesting how effective this can be.

Are there limitations to digital tools?

Sounds like we're pretty sold on using digital twins like this. Problems do exist. Especially problematic is inferior systems. The biggest red flag is inaccurate information. Pouring millions into a new material for its eco-friendly material and lower energy consumption is fantastic. That is unless it does not happen.

There are many benefits to using this technology. Drawbacks exist as well. That includes inaccuracies and the initial cost of installation. 

It's also important to make the case for standardization. Reliable digital twins depend on consistency. And that needs to be widespread. Data also needs to be dynamic. We need to take that hard-to-get data and make sure it's in a usable format. 

Challenges exist. Opportunities may make them worthwhile to overcome. 

Key Applications of Digital Twins in Architectural Projects

There are obvious reasons to apply digital twins to architecture. Let's explore some of the ways this applies to your next project. 

Design Phase

You have an idea. You know what the end result could be. How do you make it a reality? That's the entire career of an architect. Digital twins are dynamic models. That means we can take sensors and data from existing structures to make decisions about new structures. This includes the simulation of performance. 

In the design phase, architects and designers can bring new models into an immersive space. Then, they can apply digital twin technology to assess that function. That includes alternative reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. This is how interactive this can be. Your design team dives into a video game-like environment to design and develop. 

Real-time design review becomes possible. In nearly all industry applications, that's money- and time-saving.

Creating dynamic models to simulate performance, energy efficiency, and structural stability. You can apply the same testing of design systems and ideas across all of these areas. 

Construction Phase

Architects are not hands-off once the construction team gets moving. There are still dozens of decisions and tweaks to make. Digital twins can help support that process as well. It's quite fascinating in this way. You can use it for:

• Risk assessment of various in-process concepts

• Track progress and adjust timelines with more accuracy

• Manage quality control more effectively 

With this technology, it is possible to oversee and manage a project in more effective, real-time, and efficient ways. Pinpoint a resource problem now before you actually run out. Use tracking tools to demonstrate unforeseen delays or concerns. Monitor site conditions as one layer of a building is added to the next. 

Tracking progress, quality control, and risk assessment at every phase of the design process. Doing so reduces costs and amplifies outcomes. 

Operation and Maintenance

Another important component of digital twins is its ability to provide a constant view of the condition of the structure. It is an actual digital twin of the building. Facility managers can then monitor the performance of each system within the building over time. Adjustments can happen sooner.

Predictive maintenance is one of the best reasons to use digital twins in this phase of the project. Those IoT structures can pinpoint changes in conditions more progressively. This means maintenance and upkeep happen at the right time.

• No need to maintain something that does not need it.

• Application of maintenance is done when there is evidence of potential improvement.

• Reduce the risk of not managing a need sooner.

• Avoid costly emergency repairs.

• Extend the life of systems.

Digital twins work in preventative maintenance applications. They also are a component of corrective maintenance. This provides an opportunity for businesses to apply maintenance more precisely. 

Using data for predictive maintenance and adaptive reuse of buildings can improve project ROI. This is beneficial even from the design phase. It shows exactly what the long-term projections are. That makes investment benefits clear. 

How Digital Twins Integrate with Other Technologies

Digital twins are not a simple software program. Instead, they rely on the application of a number of technologies working together. It's like getting the team together. All combine to share data. Then, decisions are made. 

It seems complex. In reality, many architects are already using these technologies to achieve many of their goals. Let's talk about the technology that makes up a big portion of digital twins.

Integration with IoT (Internet of Things) 

We talk a lot about IoT. There is good reason for that. It offers real-time data collection. The simplest example has nothing to do with architecture. Consider these details. 

A medication leaves the manufacturer's building in a temperature-controlled box. An IoT sensor is in that box. The manufacturer submits that information to the end user. They can monitor the conditions of the box in real-time. That medication gets to the patient safely or not. 

IoT in architecture is just as amazing. It enables constant monitoring of small conditions. By paying attention to those small details, it is possible to build an impressive finished product. It is then possible to monitor it over time. 

AI and Machine Learning 

Use of AI and machine learning to predict outcomes and improve building efficiency. Digital twins apply AI and machine learning to capture and analyze data. That makes it possible for architects to apply knowledge faster. It also makes decision-making far easier. 

AI can actually contribute to the development of digital twins. It can ensure more accurate details. It also helps with streamlined efficiencies and consistency. 

AR and VR

Combining with AR/VR to create immersive design experiences makes digital twins real-time powerhouses. We already mentioned how this benefits the design process. Consider how it goes even further. With AR and VR, architects can step into their spaces. They can problem-solve in real time. They can also apply various strategies and design features in a dozen ways. 

That's not just a game-like scenario. It's also about applying various materials, methods, and solutions and watching them play out. Except, you are not waiting for a failure in real life. You are expediting the process. That way, you can pinpoint the worst case scenario and avoid it. 

Case Studies: Digital Twins in Action

Digital twin technology is not new in terms of concept. It is more evolved and effective than ever, though. Consider a few specific use cases for digital twins in architecture. How do these relate to the project you are working on?

Example 1: Digital twins in a high-rise commercial building—impact on energy management.

The utilization of digital twin technology enables the design of energy-efficient systems. A high-rise commercial building is a power drainer. The computers, technology, and other equipment pull incredible amounts of energy. Using digital twins, architects can compare a few different models to find the most affordable and effective solution.

What type of energy management system yields the most comfort for the workspace?

Where should heating and cooling vents be placed to maximize efficiency?

What types of fuel are best suited to that particular location?

More so, it can provide ongoing energy management insights. That includes asset and maintenance management to reduce complexities and costs. It can provide fault detection and diagnostics early on. It can also ensure smart building success with constant oversight.

Example 2: Smart city initiatives incorporating digital twins for urban planning.

Urban planning is more critical than ever. It's no longer feasible to base city development on just BIM. You need to see how components will work together before they are built. 

Smart cities incorporate a variety of IoT components. They allow architects to not just design but to monitor the function and health of each community in a meaningful way. Smart city technology mitigates health risks. It can enhance the quality of life. It may also improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs for all of the same reasons listed above. 

Example 3: Heritage building restoration using digital twins for precise modeling and analysis.

Then, there is the other component of architectural life. Taking the old and making it whole again. Restoration work is quite a passion of love. Until it becomes too costly to manage. Digital twins can offer some relief here.

Utilizing AR, VR, and even AI, it is possible for architects to take a structure that's already present and start manipulating it in various ways. Will that 150-year-old load-bearing wall really hold if you take down a structural support system? What is the best way to analyze the risk of mold and asbestos risk before diving in?

Digital twins can help with improved restoration work. It can help create a more precise model of the desired outcome. It can also help maintain pricing. This approach was notably used in the recent restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. After the devastating fire of 2019, digital twin technology played a critical role in recreating the cathedral’s intricate details and identifying structural vulnerabilities. These virtual replicas allowed engineers and architects to plan every stage of the restoration with precision, ensuring historical accuracy while addressing modern safety standards.

Challenges and Limitations

As noted, digital twins have some obstacles in their way. Let's be frank and clear here. The barriers to adoption in the architectural industry are those related to every other project:

• Cost

• Complexity

• Training

It becomes necessary for architectural firms to truly dive into research and development. As with all new technology, there are learning curves. Not every solution operates in the same way. Digital twins offers the opportunity to boost construction and design efficiencies. Yet, there are some concerns to consider in terms of putting this technology in place beyond just the cost factors. 

Data privacy and cybersecurity concerns exist as well. Digital twins relies on data sharing. But what if a property owner no longer wants to share that information? Is it intrusive to monitor the functions of a hospital or school building where privacy concerns could exist? 

While this specific concern does not eliminate the benefits of digital twins, it does complicate its adoption. There must be ways in which to address these concerns as architects put in place plans to capture data to use for their own needs. 

Challenges in integrating digital twins into existing workflows could also create some pushback. People love new buildings and spaces. They do not like to change how they do things. It's human nature.

However, from a digital twins perspective, change is a constant. It is something that must be adjusted over time to ensure that building functionality and performance are always maximized. This may mean updating old IT, boosting connectivity, and changing how tasks are performed to boost overall performance. 

The Future of Digital Twins in Architecture

Resources indicate digital twins in architecture will overcome all of these challenges. It is a reality today. Data from Grand View Research shows the impressive benefits of this technology. The research firm found that the global digital twin development and implementation market reached a value of $16.75 billion (US dollars) in 2023. By 2030, that could reach a compound annual rate of growth of 35.7%. 

The evolving role of digital twins in smart cities and urban development is rapid and promising. With so many potential benefits, it is hard to imagine why organizations and even cities would fail to put such an effective resource into place. Digital twins help ensure every dollar put towards a project is used to its max. It also helps reduce liability and streamlines timelines. 

The potential for transforming the way architects approach sustainability is another extraordinary benefit of digital twins. This technology enables architects to apply a wide range of new and innovative strategies to reduce costs and improve project success, including:

• More eco-friendly energy solutions

• Designing strategies to minimize environmental factors and improve communications

• Use of the right amount of materials without overdoing it

• Mitigating waste levels

• Improving a property's lifespan, therefore reducing energy costs and waste 

Predictions on industry trends and the expanding accessibility of digital twin technology are varied across the board. As more digital twin tools become available and as this technology builds on existing systems, costs will fall. 

Yet, optimization will be critical. Using digital twin technology does take time and effort, especially from an initial establishment process. To reap any benefits, organizations must consider the reality of using this tool in a meaningful manner.

Practical Steps for Architects to Start Using Digital Twins

To achieve success with digital twins, organizations must maximize the use of these tools with care and precision. Consider the following helpful strategies. 

Tools and software available for digital twin implementation

• Research available tools and software to determine which are best associated with the current project needs and goals. New technology comes online every day in this area. Not all is equal.

• Compare product outcomes with consumer use. In short, how well does digital twins technology directly impact the outcome of projects? Which solution is best? 

• Determine the learning curve of any solution. Consider cost applications as well.

This information enables organizations to choose the right type of structure and formatting for their needs. 

Skills architects need to acquire to effectively use digital twins

Architects may need to upskill to a degree. Keep in mind that architects already using IoT, AR, and VR are likely to still benefit from a refresher that focuses heavily on applications of digital twins. 

• Improve technological experience

• Provide hands-on learning and software-specific tools and learning programs 

• Technology-focused skills will need continuing education in architecture over time as technology expands

Collaboration with engineers and data specialists to maximize impact

More so, architects must be able and willing to collaborate with other project leaders to ensure the best possible adoption of digital twins. Discuss your project needs and goals with all partners. Begin to build a technology structure designed to bring people together on the same page. Consider:

• Current software and workflows to determine how digital twins integrates

• Ensure that your team has more data scientists available who can wade through data and design very specific project goals 

• Build relationships with engineers, construction teams, and the IT team in full to ensure everyone is on the same page 

Application of these strategies can make digital twin adoption in the architectural and commercial industries more versatile and available. 

Embracing the Digital Future

Is now the time for your architectural firm to invest in digital twins technology? Probably. Especially if you want to remain competitive. The industry is changing. That's not necessarily a bad thing when it comes in the form of money savings, reduced liability, and happy customers.

Digital twins are an empowering tool. They enable users to capture some of the most intense information and use it to make better decisions. It may be time for you, as an architect working on your next project, to take a closer look at these tools. 

Architects who are unsure if now is the time to invest in digital twins can begin to explore examples created by design firms. This adoption of new technology does not mean architectural science will move to just computers. However, those architects and designers already using this technology are seeing remarkable improvements in cost management, project success, and profit margins.

The bottom line? Digital twins are not just a tool but a paradigm shift in design and building management. As you continue to build your skills in these areas, think about your pain points. Training and convincing design teams to step away from their tried-and-true methods isn't easy. Yet, the benefits are numerous and well worth it. 

How do architectural digital twins impact the way you design and build? Could they give you new insights and opportunities, or will it just get in the way of you getting the information you need to make decisions? Explore more about digital twin technology and how you may already be using it in some form.