Anthony Day at IMA Architects explains how the practice is pioneering the emerging concept of the Digital Twin, and proving how it can enable architects to hit the balance between efficiency and sustainability on projects
As architects, the art of balance has never been more important. Especially in a world where sustainability is centre stage. But keeping cutting edge design at the heart of new ventures while being eco-friendly is no easy feat.
At IMA, we pride ourselves on completing all client projects in the most sustainable way. But sustainability shouldn’t only be considered in design and planning phases; it’s a concept that needs to stand the test of time.
Regardless of sector, these sometimes competing interests can present challenges. But we believe the effective use of a Digital Twin is the answer that many industries are looking for.
What is a Digital Twin?
In this particular application, a Digital Twin is an exact virtual representation of a building that collects real time data. The digital model is designed to accurately reflect a physical space as a virtual model, and gives the building owner/user real time and in-depth analysis of a building’s performance. Linked with BIM, the digital model incorporates not only the building information, but also real time data from devices within the building. The different data streams are then brought together within the model so that an exact virtual representation of the physical building is created. This enables users to monitor the performance of the building and make changes accordingly.
Similarly, simulations can also be run in the virtual space, allowing users to gain information on important metrics, from energy consumption to carbon emissions, and then make changes in the real world.
For example, a company has an office with two meeting rooms that, depending on the time of year, both use heating or air conditioning in equal measure. The only difference is one room has an exterior door that is frequently opened throughout the day.
Now consider the impact of that door and the high volume of ‘traffic’ to the room. The result is simple – more energy is needed to maintain the core temperature, be that hot or cold. By using a Digital Twin, it would be possible to calculate the energy consumption of each room, and adapt the way the room is used to enhance efficiency; for example, changing the way it’s heated or ventilated, or encouraging a different entry point to minimise the loss of energy.
Over an extended period of time, across multiple locations and activities, cost savings – both monetary and environmental – would be significant.
As the Government continues to pursue plans to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy and with increasing energy costs, the Digital Twin will be an incredibly valuable tool as we battle towards net zero, leading the way to a better, greener future and cost savings for businesses.
The concept is sound, and the technology exists to make the Digital Twin a reality – but can it be something that works in the real world within everyday architectural practice?
IMA Digital Pods
At IMA, we have known for several years the potential of the Digital Twin, and are focused on implementing the technology on our projects for clients.
Over the past year, together with my colleague Dr Asem Al Bunni, I have been working to prove the concept. We wanted to build a physical space and its virtual twin so that we could assess how technology can be used within real world architecture and on actual client projects.
Within the grounds of our head office in Blaby, Leicestershire, we have created that space – the IMA Digital Pods. We have transformed two former shipping containers to create a two storey outbuilding featuring a staff coffee area and small gym. The pods feature the latest ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) technology, cloud platforms and 3D visualisation technologies which enable us to collect data in real time from a range of sensors installed throughout the buildings.
The IMA Digital Pods are equipped with:
- Environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, air quality, fire system, rain sensor)
- Light monitoring sensors
- Power monitoring sensors (individual devices/spotlights feedback)
- Motion detection sensors
- GPS sensors (locating device relative to project location)
- USB outlets monitoring sensors
- Door closure monitoring sensors (doors, windows)
- The ability to expand with further IOT sensors.
The data collected by the range of sensors is then analysed within a cloud platform and visualised via the digital model. The data can also be stored in the cloud for further analysis and used for further research and development. Commands can also be sent from the digital model to activate or deactivate devices in the Pods.
The Digital Pods serve as a showcase for IMA to demonstrate to our clients how cutting edge technologies can be integrated within the built asset, where stakeholders can benefit from many features to assist with facilities management including monitoring, simulation using artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, along with system and spatial re-evaluation.
Impacting the future
To the best of our knowledge IMA is one of the first architecture practices in the UK to have successfully developed and tested a Digital Twin prototype. But we don’t want to be the last. The successful use of BIM and The Digital Twin is the future of building design. Having more buildings with this level of intelligence will play a huge part in helping the UK meet its net zero ambitions and reduce costs for businesses, both during the construction phase and ongoing running costs.
Anthony Day is director at IMA Architects