From the circular economy to true multi-level user engagement, what are the benefits of Digital Twins? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.07

Digital twins are changing the ‘game’ for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. From looking at how assets can be re-utilised at the end of a project lifecycle, to creating a ‘virtual library of materials’, Digital Twins are crucial in providing foresight into the circular economy of a project. 

Digital Twins are also significant in creating places which are determined by the communities that live there. One of our Buro Happold experts on this episode’s panel, Miraj Patel, discussed a Digital Twin project in Barkham, saying: “We needed to find a suitable pathway for communities to switch to electricity in a renewable way that also helped them.  

“The idea behind it was to take a snapshot of the village as it was, build a Digital Twin off that, and then run various energy scenarios, allowing for a targeted approach that benefitted the community. 

“And through that, we were able to get the community's input. We are looking to push this many years into the future. It would allow you to simulate what a place would be like in 10, 15, 20 years, and that is quite powerful.” 

Along with our regular host, Andy Duncan, this latest Sandbox episode features: 

• Robert Moyser, Partner and Head of UK Advisory, Buro Happold 

• Miraj Patel, Associate, Buro Happold 

• Special guest Simon Blakeney, XR Expert and Account Manager at Epic Games 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).