Digital twin in design architecture: Impact of DT in architectural design for improved building lifecycle management

Abstract

Digital twins (DTs) are increasingly transforming the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing data integration, visualization, collaboration, and decision-making throughout the building lifecycle. Despite these advances, limited research has examined the role of DTs in supporting architectural design for improved Building Lifecycle Management (BLM), particularly during the early design stages. This study investigates the potential of DT technology to enhance BLM by integrating digital twin concepts into the architectural design process. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a comprehensive literature review with a questionnaire survey of 60 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and the United States to evaluate current awareness, perceived benefits, implementation challenges, and opportunities associated with DT adoption. The findings indicate that while awareness of DT technology is increasing, its application to architectural design for comprehensive BLM remains limited. The study identifies key opportunities for improving decision-making, sustainability, lifecycle performance, and stakeholder collaboration, while highlighting workforce skills, interoperability, and implementation complexity as major barriers to adoption. By integrating literature-based evidence with industry perspectives, the research clarifies how design-stage decisions, digital information, and lifecycle requirements can be connected more effectively through DT-enabled processes. The findings further emphasize the importance of early planning for data integration, sensing requirements, performance evaluation, and interdisciplinary coordination. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital twin applications in architectural design by providing an evidence-based assessment of current adoption, opportunities, and challenges, offering practical insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to advance Building Lifecycle Management through digital transformation.