Digital Twins

Virtual copies of building and even cities are changing the way architects, designers, and planners collaborate. Digital twins (as they’re known) are more than just models of existing real-world objects. With the use of sensors, 3-D imaging, and real-time monitoring, they can be used to measure changes, evaluate proposed improvements, and assess the impact of unexpected events. Information can be constantly updated to mirror what’s happening in the physical world, or time can be accelerated to present a picture of the entire life cycle.

These complex and dynamic platforms could be used to predict the effects of climate change, improve building design, or optimize the efficiency of transportation networks. They are also being used in science and industry to develop products and evaluate their use.