Short answer

Incorporate digital twin technology and HBIM frameworks into the design and management process for heritage structures to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality.

Field
Classic Design
Source
Engineering Construction & Architectural Management (2023)
Method
Systematic Literature Review
Evidence
Moderate effect

Digital twin technology can be integrated with heritage building information modelling to support decision-making, performance monitoring, and maintenance strategies throughout the lifecycle of historic structures. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management. Using Systematic literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate digital twin technology and HBIM frameworks into the design and management process for heritage structures to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality.

Study
Classic DesignRecentModerate effect

Digital Twins Enhance Heritage Building Lifecycle Management

Digital twin technology can be integrated with heritage building information modelling to support decision-making, performance monitoring, and maintenance strategies throughout the lifecycle of historic structures.

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Digital twins are primarily used to support decision-making for conservation approaches, performance monitoring, maintenance planning, and energy management in heritage facilities.
  • 02Challenges exist in data capture, acquisition, and multi-source data modelling for digital twin applications in HFM.
  • 03A framework for integrating digital twins with heritage building information modelling (HBIM) can facilitate future applications.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate digital twin technology and HBIM frameworks into the design and management process for heritage structures to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality.

How to apply

When designing for or managing heritage sites, consider developing a digital twin that integrates with existing building information models to track condition, simulate interventions, and optimize maintenance.

Project actions

  • 01When researching heritage sites, consider how digital tools can aid in their preservation.
  • 02Explore the potential of creating digital models that simulate the performance and maintenance needs of existing structures.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the application of digital twins in heritage facilities management from a lifecycle perspective and identify future development directions.
MethodSystematic Literature Review
ProcedureRelevant literature was retrieved from academic databases based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The shortlisted publications were analyzed using VOSviewer and critically reviewed to understand the current research landscape.
ContextHeritage Facilities Management (HFM)

Variables

IVApplication of Digital Twin technology
DVEffectiveness in Heritage Facilities Management (e.g., decision support, performance monitoring, maintenance planning)
CVType of heritage facility, lifecycle stage, available data quality
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a comprehensive overview of current research through a systematic review.
  • +Proposes a practical framework for integrating DT with HBIM.

Limitations

The practical implementation of digital twins for heritage sites is often limited by the cost of technology, the availability of skilled personnel, and the difficulty in obtaining accurate historical data.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings is enhanced by the systematic literature review methodology. Validity is supported by the critical review of shortlisted publications and the proposed integration framework.

Think critically

To what extent can digital twins truly capture the intangible heritage value of a building, beyond its physical condition and performance metrics?

05

Design Principles

"Utilize digital simulation and modelling to inform the lifecycle management of historically significant built environments."

This research highlights how advanced digital modelling techniques can be applied to preserve and manage culturally significant buildings. By creating a digital replica, designers and managers can better understand a heritage asset's condition, predict future issues, and plan interventions without compromising the physical structure.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Imagine creating a 3D digital copy of an old building that acts like a live dashboard. This digital copy can help people decide how best to look after the real building, track its condition, and plan repairs, making sure it lasts for a long time.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the use of digital modelling and simulation for managing existing or historical structures.
  • 2.Use the findings to justify the development of a digital twin for a heritage-related design project.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the significant potential of digital twin technology in heritage facilities management. By integrating digital twins with heritage building information modelling (HBIM), practitioners can gain enhanced capabilities for decision-making regarding conservation, performance monitoring, and maintenance strategies throughout the lifecycle of historic structures, despite existing challenges in data acquisition and modelling.

09

Source

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

Digital twin application in heritage facilities management: systematic literature review and future development directions

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about digital twins enhance heritage building lifecycle management?
Incorporate digital twin technology and HBIM frameworks into the design and management process for heritage structures to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality. Evidence: Engineering Construction & Architectural Management (2023).
Why does "Digital Twins Enhance Heritage Building Lifecycle Management" matter for design?
This research highlights how advanced digital modelling techniques can be applied to preserve and manage culturally significant buildings. By creating a digital replica, designers and managers can better understand a heritage asset's condition, predict future issues, and plan interventions without compromising the physical structure.
How can designers apply this research?
Incorporate digital twin technology and HBIM frameworks into the design and management process for heritage structures to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality.
What were the main findings?
Digital twins are primarily used to support decision-making for conservation approaches, performance monitoring, maintenance planning, and energy management in heritage facilities.. Challenges exist in data capture, acquisition, and multi-source data modelling for digital twin applications in HFM.. A framework for integrating digital twins with heritage building information modelling (HBIM) can facilitate future applications.
What research method was used?
Systematic Literature Review.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Engineering Construction & Architectural Management.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing for or managing heritage sites, consider developing a digital twin that integrates with existing building information models to track condition, simulate interventions, and optimize maintenance.
What are the limitations?
The availability of empirical data and robust data capture methods remain significant constraints for widespread digital twin adoption in heritage management.