{"id":3697,"date":"2021-03-25T14:08:06","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T18:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/discover-more\/blog\/digital-twins-construction\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T00:34:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T04:34:01","slug":"digital-twins-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/digital-twins-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"The Purpose of\u00a0Digital Twins\u00a0in Construction"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dave Clifton
\nContent Strategy Specialist
\nSpaceIQ<\/p>\n

Many businesses these days are building digital twins of their facilities, to better\u00a0monitor and manage everything from space to assets. What they might not realize is that a digital twin already exists. Digital twins in construction\u00a0are becoming prevalent in the development and construction phases of a building, because they show the project on a dynamic plane. It speaks to the essential nature of digital building information throughout the life cycle of a property: from its earliest build stages to its continued evolution as a workplace.<\/p>\n

The term \u201cdigital twin\u201d can have different context depending on\u00a0how\u00a0it\u2019s used. In facility management, digital twins<\/a> help with space allocation and asset management. During construction, they serve an entirely different purpose altogether: one that\u00a0stays true to the design of the building.<\/p>\n

\"data-driven-workplace\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What is a digital twin in construction?<\/h2>\n

Digital twins are virtual creations of\u00a0a\u00a0building. Unlike Building Information Modeling<\/a> (BIM) diagrams, which\u00a0show its many systems and subsystems, digital twins show space. Where BIM focuses on how the building\u2019s\u00a0constructed, digital twins focus on how people will use the space. Tradespeople and builders typically rely on BIM during the\u00a0design-build\u00a0construction process.<\/p>\n

Digital twins come into play as the construction project nears culmination\u2014as digital systems come online. Where BIM manages the dynamic systems that go into a large building project, digital twins serve as the foundation for its\u00a0assets\u00a0and utilization. When a 20\u2019 x 16\u2019 space becomes a conference room\u00a0with full AV capabilities, the digital twin becomes the framework\u00a0to\u00a0manage\u00a0and\u00a0optimize\u00a0it.<\/p>\n

Why is digital twin important in construction?<\/h2>\n

The purpose of digital twins in construction is to bridge the gap between form and function. On paper, in a blueprint, a space is a series of measurements. During construction, it\u2019s part of a broader structure. When it comes time to designate purpose for that space, planners need foresight. Who will use it? What will they use it for? What assets will live there? The digital twin catalogs this information.<\/p>\n

Because a digital twin continues to be useful after the construction process, it\u2019s also a bridge from the design to the management of a building. For example, a smart building will include robust connected tech as part of the construction phase. Those systems\u00a0link\u00a0to the digital twin, which allows space managers to oversee them as part of the tenant\u2019s tech stack.\u00a0Further connectivity with Integrated Workplace Management Systems<\/a> (IWMS) turns the digital twin into a source of truth for space governance and asset management.<\/p>\n

Examples of digital twin construction<\/h2>\n

The roles of digital twin construction are many. It\u2019s an asset management tool. A safety planning tool. A space optimization tool. A tool to improve employee experience. Because it\u2019s linked to spaces, assets, and the people who use them, a digital twin realizes the concepts\u00a0put into a building\u2019s design and makes them real. Here\u2019s a look at some examples:<\/p>\n