Chapter 4: System architecture of digital twins

This chapter will introduce a multi-tier digital architecture designed for the establishment of digital twins in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. During this process, the Gemini Principles highlight a nice set of key principles or values that digital twins should adhere to and guide the direction of the digitalisation journey of buildings, cities and the wider built environment. In particular, the functionalities and implementations of each layer are briefly described and the benefits of the proposed architecture are summarised.