Urban regeneration and placemaking: a Digital Twin enhanced performance-based framework for Melbourne’s Greenline Project?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the integration of Urban Digital Twin (UDT) technology in Melbourne’s Greenline Project, focusing on a performance-based framework that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and city-specific sustainability objectives. Recognising the complexities of urban ecosystems while anchoring on human-centric ‘placemaking’ – a participatory process involving the planning, design, and management of public spaces – the key capabilities and challenges in developing, implementing and applying UDTs and related technologies to achieve these objectives are reviewed and synthesised. Challenges in data collection and/or access, their use and integration into decision-making processes and capturing the dynamic interaction between physical and virtual environments, including updating UDT models are highlighted. The review emphasises the role of urban planners and stakeholders in driving UDT development and applications by better understanding and stating objectives, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration for effective technology application, crucial for robust data management, analytics, and community contribution. International examples illustrate the potential utility of Digital Twins in enhancing urban planning, design, and operational management. The paper presents a preliminary framework to guide the further development of the Greenline Project and inform future research that is needed for improved and effective deployment and use of UDTs in other urban revitalisation projects. Practitioner pointers Urban planners have a central role in directing Urban Digital Twin technologies to address socio-economic and sustainability challenges facing cities and communities. Interdisciplinary collaboration, skills development, user-friendly technologies and sharing of real-time spatial data will drive innovation and support sustainable urban development. Developing performance frameworks will enhance planning and design practice, project monitoring and management and communications related to sustainable urban regeneration.