Digital Twins in Architecture Practices and Understandings

This chapter is a research article that examines the concept of digital twins within the field of architecture. It presents a systematic review of 113 research papers to map and summarize the current state of digital twins in architecture. The findings indicate that digital twins represent an ecology of practices and understandings, with varying definitions and applications across different fields contributing to architecture. The chapter outlines the challenges faced by the architecture industry in adopting digital twin technology, noting the unique characteristics of architectural projects that differentiate them from other sectors like manufacturing. It discusses the necessity for critical engagement with data and the importance of understanding the life-span of digital twins in relation to their physical counterparts. The article further details the methodology used for the literature review, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, and presents the main themes and keywords associated with the research on digital twins in architecture.