In 2025, large-scale builds are being optimized like never before. Technologies like Building Information Modelling(BIM) and digital twins allow REITs and commercial property developers to design and execute their plans on a grander scale. At Planit, we utilize these two technologies in our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model™.
If you’re unfamiliar with these tools, here is a breakdown of digital twins vs. Building Information Modelling, how they differ, and how they can work together to deliver accurate, integrated models that show how your property will flow aesthetically and functionally.
What Is Building Information Modelling?
Building Information Modelling is a collaborative process supported by software that creates a digital representation (or model) of a building’s physical and functional characteristics.
Some characteristics that a BIM model will assess include spatial relationships, light analysis, and geometry. BIM is used during the design, planning, and construction process of a new building, and it can also be used to manage and optimize maintenance during a building’s lifetime.
Some key features of BIM technology include:
- Better ROI for builders and architects who want a more advanced floor plan
- A collaborative tool that enhances productivity, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Opportunities for precise planning that reduce costs and errors before construction begins
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin collects data using physics-based simulations, IoT sensors, and machine learning to create a real-time, active model of your building. The 1:1 design allows developers to try new ideas, address design faults, and test potential scenarios involving the building’s functionality.
Some key features of a digital twin include:
- Predictive maintenance to catch potential issues before they cause significant delays
- Real-time analyses to make continuous improvements and optimize performance
- Enhanced collaboration between stakeholders
Key Differences Between These Technologies
To understand how BIM and digital twins can work together, it’s important to understand their individual applications. Here are a few ways these two technologies differ throughout building design, planning, construction, and execution:
Design and Construction vs Maintenance and Operations
BIM technology was developed to assist architects and engineers in the early stages of design and building construction. BIM is used to visualize how a building looks and functions.
In contrast, a digital twin focuses on the operational aspect of a building for occupants, aka, how user-friendly and accessible the building is for its intended audience. While BIM works out the aesthetics and structure of a build, digital twins develop the way a building is used day in and day out.
Operational Response
Digital Twins allow you to see how your building operates in real time. This software offers ongoing feedback on how your design performs during operational periods and basically acts as a living document.
On the other hand, BIM acts more like a blueprint that details a static representation of your building’s design to its completed state at a specific point in time.
Technology
Building Information Modelling uses 3D modelling, clash detection, and simulation. This technology was first integrated into engineering and architectural efforts during the 1970s and has continued to be a reliable method of scaling new and pre-existing properties.
Digital twins, however, are a newer concept that utilizes AI, IoT integration, and machine learning capabilities.
How They Can Work Together
BIM and Digital Twins are used for different cycles of a building’s design, construction, and operation, but work best when paired together. Digital twins can be used in tandem with BIM to provide a more comprehensive look at a building’s lifecycle.
Once BIM is used to design and construct a residential property, digital twins can be layered on top to monitor the building’s active infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, energy efficiency, room occupancy, and traffic flow.
Pairing BIM and digital twins allows architects, engineers, property managers, and other stakeholders to collaborate using the same database.
This results in more effective communication between trades and contractors, and the interactive model makes it easier to spot potential problems or hazards with the building’s infrastructure before construction begins.
Digital Twin, BIM, and Planit’s Hyper-Intelligent Building Model
At Planit Engineering, we’re focused on helping REIT developers optimize the construction and operation of their residential buildings. Our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model leverages BIM and digital twins to help you create a smart and interactive building that will help you fully maximize its value and efficiency.
Leveraging scan-to-BIM and digital twins, our system will allow you to:
- Optimize energy efficiency
- Automate controls and energy devices
- Conduct predictive maintenance
- Monitor electrical and HVAC systems
- Enhance security and safety
- Easily expand or adapt your building to future technology advancements
- And more!
Embrace the Future of Building Development with Planit Engineering
Building Information Modelling and digital twins are useful independently, but when paired together, they allow you to optimize the efficiency of your residential property’s development and ongoing lifecycle. Partner with our team at Planit to get the most out of these useful tools in our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model™.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
