Digital Transformation in Construction: Integrating Metaverse, Digital Twin, and BIM

The built environment is one of the world’s largest and most impactful industries, playing a crucial role in promoting resilience and sustainability globally. While AI-driven advancements in digital technologies are rapidly evolving, their integration into the built environment has been relatively slow. This research topic is related to one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024, as announced by the World Economic Forum in June 2024. The theme is ‘Immersive Technology for the Built World’.

Notably, the construction industry contributes to 40% of global CO2 emissions, underscoring the urgent need for digital transformation (DX) to enhance sustainability and resilience. The resilience of structures and infrastructure is becoming increasingly important alongside sustainability goals. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a basis of Metaverse and Digital Twin technologies and advancements in this area are changing the built world. This research topic is led by a team of specialty chief editors from seven sections within Frontiers in Built Environment, aiming to communicate cutting-edge knowledge among researchers.

This research topic aims to explore the integration of Metaverse, Digital Twin, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies to revolutionize the future built environment. The main objectives include investigating how these technologies can enhance sustainability, resilience, and efficiency in construction and infrastructure. Specific questions to be addressed include: How can Digital Twins improve disaster defense mechanisms? What role does the Metaverse play in mitigating damage and risk in structures? How can BIM facilitate the integration of these immersive technologies?

To gather further insights in the integration of Metaverse, Digital Twin, and BIM technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Assistive Reality for the Built World
- Precision in Construction Inspection
- Digital Twins for Improved Construction
- Digital Twins for Disaster Defense
- Digital Preservation and Cultural Heritage
- Assistive Reality for Sustainability
- VR-driven Transportation and Transit Systems
- Mitigation of Damage and Risk in Structures and Infrastructure using the Metaverse
- Integration of Metaverse and Digital Twin through BIM
- Data Privacy and Security in Digital Twin and Immersive Technologies
- Ethical Considerations in Digital Twin and Immersive Technologies

Keywords: Metaverse, Digital Twin, Building Information Modelling, Construction Management, Monitoring, City Planning, Sustainability, Resilience, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Smart City, Asset Management

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.