Beyond formal panels and structured presentations, the true pulse of the digital built environment often beats strongest in networking gatherings. These sessions, whether formal or informal, are invaluable for practitioners to connect, share insights, uncover new business intelligence, and engage in spontaneous yet profound conversations. My role frequently involves convening and facilitating these essential forums, designed to foster genuine connection and collective understanding across the ecosystem.

A prime example was the ‘Meet the UK’s Digital Construction Innovators’ networking session at London Build Expo 2024. As MC for this session, co-hosted by the Digital Buildings Council (DBC) and nima (formerly the UK BIM Alliance), I set the stage for connecting representatives from the UK BIM and Smart Building communities. The gathering offered a rare opportunity to engage with industry leaders committed to advancing digital and information management in construction and building operations.

We kicked off with two short, insightful talks. Paul Wilkinson, nima’s Vice Chair, introduced their Information Management Initiative (IMI), emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve information management. DBC Chair Jess Costanzo from Simmtronic presented on the DBC’s initiatives for best practices and diversity in digital construction, particularly addressing the gap between design and operation phases and promoting careers in the field. Both organisations underscored the critical importance of collaboration and better data management across the entire lifecycle of a building.

The Digital Twin Debate: Platform vs. Process

Following the talks, I facilitated an impromptu roundtable discussion among some of the industry experts attending the session. This dynamic dialogue quickly zeroed in on the intricate relationship between Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart platforms, and the elusive concept of the digital twin. The topic, directly connected to the DBC’s BIM to Smart Enablement project initiative, sparked a lively debate.

Key Themes and Insights from the Discussion:

• The Dichotomy Between BIM and Smart Platforms: The discussion highlighted a perceived disconnect between the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) world, traditionally focused on BIM, and the “smart world,” driven by post-construction data and platforms.
• Defining the Digital Twin: Participants grappled with the definition of a digital twin and its relationship to smart platforms. Some argued that smart platforms only offered a snapshot of building performance (“performance twin”), while a true digital twin should encompass the entire asset lifecycle, from manufacturing and operation to decommissioning. As one expert put it, “Smart platforms are more of a digital like a digital record of what’s happening there and then in the building at that time. Sometimes that’s referred to as a performance twin.” Conversely, “Where the Digital Twin really is, it’s more that getting that full lifecycle.”
• Digital Twin as Process vs. Platform: The conversation emphasized the need to view the digital twin as a process rather than simply a platform. Establishing standardized processes, akin to BIM processes outlined in ISO 19650, was seen as crucial for bridging the gap between project and operational phases. “Yes, there needs to be, I think there needs to be more work on developing standards…There needs to be more standardisation to allow us to improve that. And yes, it’s about the process, but it’s also about the end product.”
• Importance of Early Stakeholder Engagement: Experts stressed the need for greater engagement from Facilities Management (FM) teams and other operational stakeholders in the early design and construction phases. This would ensure alignment between building design, smart platform implementation, and operational needs. “I think certainly one of the things which you’re trying to do with Digital Buildings Council is that gap between the two, because certainly from our perspective, we’re involved in that mechanical side, the BMS side. Theoretically there should be some overlap, but there isn’t really.”
• Integration and Interoperability Challenges: The discussion acknowledged the challenges of integrating data from various sources and ensuring interoperability between different platforms and systems. This was seen as a major hurdle in realizing the full potential of the digital twin.
• The “Golden Thread”: The concept of the “golden thread” of information was explored as a solution to enhance the digital twin, ensuring live, consistent data throughout the lifecycle.

The Power of Facilitated Connection

This session exemplified how strategically convened networking gatherings can unearth critical insights and foster collaboration. By facilitating a debate that transcended individual platform specifics and delved into fundamental definitions, we highlighted the profound need for improved interoperability and standardized processes across the industry. This is where strategic engagement truly drives clarity and collective progress.

The discussion underscored the necessity of a holistic approach to the digital twin, one that transcends the limitations of individual platforms and encompasses the entire asset lifecycle. Establishing standardized processes, fostering early stakeholder engagement, and addressing integration challenges are critical steps towards bridging the gap between BIM and the smart world, ultimately unlocking the full potential of the digital twin.

You can listen to an AI-generated podcast of this insightful discussion, which I have published on LinkedIn/