Short answer

Embrace digital twin technologies and integrated BIM/BPS platforms to create accessible decision support systems that enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of existing and historic built assets.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Sustainability (2023)
Method: Case study demonstration
Evidence: Moderate effect

Integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) into digital decision support systems (DSS) can transform how historic buildings are managed, making complex data accessible for improved operational efficiency. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Case study demonstration, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Embrace digital twin technologies and integrated BIM/BPS platforms to create accessible decision support systems that enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of existing and historic built assets.

Study

Classic DesignRecentModerate effect

Digital Twins Enhance Operational Efficiency of Historic Buildings

Sustainability · 2023

Key Findings

01Digital decision support systems (DSS) integrating BIM and BPS can make complex building data accessible to non-digital expert operators.
02Data visualization approaches can effectively illustrate building energy performance and its correlation with occupancy.
03A digital twin vision for DSS lays the groundwork for future integration of live sensor data, occupant feedback, and forecasting algorithms.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or retrofitting buildings, especially those with historical significance, consider developing a digital twin that integrates BIM and performance simulation data. Ensure the interface is intuitive for facility managers and operators.

Project actions

01When researching historic buildings, consider how digital tools could have improved their management.
02Explore how data visualization can make complex building performance metrics understandable to a non-technical audience.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) be integrated into user-friendly digital decision support systems (DSS) to improve the operational decision-making for built heritage?

MethodCase study demonstration

ProcedureThe research conceptualized and developed a digital decision support system (DSS) by integrating BIM and BPS technologies. This system was then demonstrated on a heritage building case study, the Faculty of Engineering in Bologna, Italy, to analyze its energy performance and its relationship with planned occupancy through data visualization.

ContextBuilt heritage operation and management

Variables

IVIntegration of BIM and BPS into a DSS

DVImproved operational decision-making and understanding of building performance

CVBuilding type (heritage), specific operational parameters (energy, occupancy)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Demonstrates a practical application of advanced digital technologies to a real-world problem in built heritage.
+Highlights the importance of user-friendly interfaces for the adoption of complex digital tools.

Limitations

Replicating a full digital twin system for a design project might be complex due to software and data requirements. Focus on demonstrating the principles of data integration and visualization.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings is supported by the demonstration on a real case study. Reliability could be enhanced by testing the DSS across a wider range of heritage building typologies and operational scenarios.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'digital twin' approach be applied to buildings that lack comprehensive historical BIM data, and what are the implications for data acquisition and validation?

Design Principles

"Leverage digital twin technology to create integrated, user-friendly decision support systems for building operations."

Many historic buildings face challenges in meeting modern environmental and economic standards. Digitalization offers a path to overcome these by providing asset managers with actionable insights derived from building data, enabling better strategic planning and operational adjustments.

What This Means for Your Design

Using computer models (like BIM and performance simulations) to create a 'digital twin' of an old building helps managers understand its energy use and how people use it, making it easier to run the building efficiently.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the use of digital tools for analyzing and improving existing building performance, particularly in the context of heritage structures.
2.Use the concept of a digital twin as a framework for proposing digital solutions in your own design project.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) into digital decision support systems (DSS), as explored by Massafra et al. (2023), offers a robust methodology for enhancing the operational efficiency of built heritage. By conceptualizing these systems within a digital twin framework, complex data can be structured, processed, and visualized in a user-friendly manner, empowering asset managers and non-expert operators to make informed strategic decisions regarding energy performance and occupancy.

Source

Sustainability

Building Information Modeling and Building Performance Simulation-Based Decision Support Systems for Improved Built Heritage Operation

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about digital twins enhance operational efficiency of historic buildings?: Embrace digital twin technologies and integrated BIM/BPS platforms to create accessible decision support systems that enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of existing and historic built assets. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
Why does "Digital Twins Enhance Operational Efficiency of Historic Buildings" matter for design?: Many historic buildings face challenges in meeting modern environmental and economic standards. Digitalization offers a path to overcome these by providing asset managers with actionable insights derived from building data, enabling better strategic planning and operational adjustments.
How can designers apply this research?: Embrace digital twin technologies and integrated BIM/BPS platforms to create accessible decision support systems that enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of existing and historic built assets.
What were the main findings?: Digital decision support systems (DSS) integrating BIM and BPS can make complex building data accessible to non-digital expert operators.. Data visualization approaches can effectively illustrate building energy performance and its correlation with occupancy.. A digital twin vision for DSS lays the groundwork for future integration of live sensor data, occupant feedback, and forecasting algorithms.
What research method was used?: Case study demonstration.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or retrofitting buildings, especially those with historical significance, consider developing a digital twin that integrates BIM and performance simulation data. Ensure the interface is intuitive for facility managers and operators.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a specific heritage case study, and the long-term impact of the DSS on actual operational cost savings and environmental performance was not fully quantified.