Virtual Design and Construction

Pioneering the digital modernisation in the built environment

Designing net-zero building using integrated virtual design and construction technologies to optimise building performance, lower the risks, and minimise the environmental impact during construction and operation.

Digital twin technology presents a substantial opportunity to address the challenges of urban development and sustainable construction. Digital twins are dynamic virtual representations of real-world systems, that are synchronised with the physical system using data received from smart sensor and meters.  

The market for digital twins is growing at a fast rate: from US$3.8 billion in 2019, it is expected to reach nearly US$36 billion by 2025. We have the opportunity to promote a digital society and develop a new mindset for innovation and novel technology in Civil Engineering.
Daniel Dias-da-Costa

Our approach

Our approach is to lead a platform of technological advancement by enabling close-to-reality computational tools for designing, testing, monitoring, and building structures with unprecedented detail towards a net-zero goal. This cluster involves researchers across disciplines who offer collective expertise in developing sustainable digital solutions for life cycle assessment and prediction of sustainability indicators (e.g. energy consumption, water environment factor, carbon equivalent) and embodied impact (embodied energy and embodied carbon) for constructions in Australia.

Research areas

  • Digital twin technology with cutting-edge 3D printing and simulation packages, Virtual Reality devices
  • Project and construction management

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Virtual Design and Construction cluster of the Smart Sustainable Building Network is actively working towards two of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
UN Sustainable Development Goal 9
UN Sustainable Development Goal 11

Daniel Dias-da-Costa

Associate Professor
Fax
  • +61 2 9351 3343
Address
  • Room 442 Civil Engineering J05

Michael Seymour

Lecturer
Address
  • Abercrombie Building H70