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Workflow of Digital Twin for Urban Metabolism Creation (left); Digital Twin Architecture (right). Modified from [14].
Source publication
With rapid urbanization necessitating innovative strategies for urban adaptation, combining technological advancements and holistic methodologies, this research explored the synergy between urban metabolism and digital twin technologies to foster sustainable urban development. A pilot model representing a university building, including the surround...
Contexts in source publication
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... DT was developed according to the workflow shown in Figure 3 (left). Drawing inspiration from the work of Lu and colleagues, a three-layer architecture was developed (Figure 3 -right), namely the "data acquisition layer", "data analysis and digital replica layer", and "service and interface layer" [14]. ...
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... DT was developed according to the workflow shown in Figure 3 (left). Drawing inspiration from the work of Lu and colleagues, a three-layer architecture was developed (Figure 3 -right), namely the "data acquisition layer", "data analysis and digital replica layer", and "service and interface layer" [14]. The "data acquisition" layer ( Figure 3, right) was dedicated to collecting data from facility management and constructing the BIM model of the selected facility. ...
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... inspiration from the work of Lu and colleagues, a three-layer architecture was developed (Figure 3 -right), namely the "data acquisition layer", "data analysis and digital replica layer", and "service and interface layer" [14]. The "data acquisition" layer ( Figure 3, right) was dedicated to collecting data from facility management and constructing the BIM model of the selected facility. For this case, data collection was limited to acquiring CAD files and submittals from the construction of MCSI subsequently used to facilitate model creation and to understand material outputs after construction. ...
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... "data analysis and digital replica" layer ( Figure 3, right) included processing construction material flows and constructing the DT environment using Unreal Engine. The MFA was executed using Python, with a flow of data from the BIM stored locally. ...
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... "service and interface layer" (Figure 3, right) established data connections within the DT and developed various visualizations to depict MFA outcomes within this dynamic environment. This layer is used to connect all the data sources. ...
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... study presents a novel approach integrating sustainability assessments into a DT architecture, which is inspired by the model developed by Lu et al. [14]. Demonstrating the integration of sustainability considerations into the design of vertical infrastructures using DT technology (Figure 3), this represents a critical link to future advancements in this field. The developed DT serves as a foundational template for constructing a comprehensive framework aimed at integrating sustainability assessments into the design process of vertical infrastructures. ...
Citations
... Furthermore, the integration of AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies promotes data-driven approaches to the circular economy, where insights gained from interconnected systems lead to more effective resource regeneration, waste reduction, and resilience building in smart urban environments and beyond (Akinode and Oloruntoba, 2020;Agrawal et al., 2022;Preut et al., 2021;Sertyesilisik, 2022;Geremicca et al., 2024;Lampropoulos et al., 2024;Lanzalonga et al., 2024;Mügge et al., 2024). AI-powered analytics enable the identification of reuse opportunities within smart urban metabolism, such as capturing waste heat for district heating or reclaiming materials from demolition sites for construction. ...
This introductory chapter sets the stage for the edited book titled, "Digital Twins for Smart Metabolic Circular Cities: Innovations in Urban Planning and Climate Resilience." It establishes the foundation for this work by exploring the critical role of digital twin technologies in transforming urban planning and advancing climate resilience through the integration of smart urban metabolism and circular economy principles to create smart, sustainable, and resilient urban environments. It highlights the growing challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and resource depletion, which necessitate new paradigms for urban management and planning that view cities as dynamic, living systems capable of adaptation and regeneration. Key themes that are covered include how digital twins act as virtual models that provide real-time data and actionable insights for optimizing urban resource flows, enhancing efficiency, and supporting data-driven decision-making processes. The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins is also discussed, demonstrating how these advanced technologies collectively enhance the modeling, monitoring, and optimization of urban environments, thus driving sustainability and climate resilience initiatives. The chapter further outlines the book’s structure, which is divided into two main parts: the integration of digital twins with smart urban metabolism and circular economy frameworks in urban environments, and the role of digital twins in sustainable urban planning and climate resilience. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, it establishes the foundational concepts and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of innovative approaches to urban planning and climate resilience, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address the pressing challenges faced by emerging sustainable smart cities today.
... Geremicca proposes a framework for applying these technologies to the monitoring and analysis of resource flows, which could foster circular economy strategies within urban environments. This approach aligns with the growing recognition of the need for sustainable urban practices that prioritise resource recovery and reuse [249]. ...
This research article conducts a comprehensive literature review on the concept of urban metabolism (UM), with a special focus on the transition from a linear to a circular model. In the context of climate change, increasing urbanisation, and resource depletion, cities are recognised as playing a crucial role in environmental sustainability. A bibliometric analysis of scientific literature shows an increasing interest in circular UM as a comprehensive approach to managing energy and material flows in urban settings. This article aims to further explore the transition from a linear to a circular model by reviewing the evolution of the urban metabolism concept, its key components, and relevant case studies from cities that have successfully implemented circular strategies. By identifying barriers and challenges cities face in adopting circular practices within their urban metabolism, the article proposes recommendations to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, it examines the interrelationships between circular UM and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of sustainable urban planning and energy transition. However, important challenges remain, such as the lack of standardised and accessible data that hinder comparisons between cities and their evolution. Finally, future lines of research are proposed that focus on the integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and neural networks, as well as the development of circular urban models that can tangibly measure their impact on climate change. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art of UM while enriching the existing body of knowledge on emerging trends in this field.
