Description

Indonesia possesses a rich heritage of vernacular architecture that reflects ancestral building knowledge, diverse local cultures, and traditional forms of adaptation to climate and environmental conditions. However, rapid urbanization, the globalization of architectural models, and the impacts of climate change are contributing to the transformation and gradual disappearance of these traditional forms of housing. In this context, digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), and Digital Twins offer new opportunities for documenting, preserving, and promoting this architectural heritage.
This research aims to investigate the Digital Twin as a mediation device capable of representing, structuring, and transmitting knowledge related to Indonesian vernacular architecture. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of architecture, information and communication sciences, and digital technologies, the study will examine how the architectural, environmental, and socio-cultural characteristics of vernacular buildings can be integrated into dynamic digital models.
Based on several case studies in Indonesia, the research seeks to develop a methodological framework for using Digital Twins as tools for heritage conservation, knowledge transfer, and decision support for stakeholders involved in heritage management, urban planning, and construction. The expected outcomes will contribute both to the preservation of vernacular architectural heritage and to the development of more sustainable and climate-resilient architectural practices in response to contemporary challenges.

Skills required

The ideal candidate should hold a Master's degree in Architecture, Heritage Studies, Urban Planning, Information and Communication Sciences, or a related field. They should have a genuine interest in architectural heritage, vernacular architecture, and emerging digital technologies such as BIM, Digital Twins, and Artificial Intelligence. Beyond technical skills, we are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who is open to interdisciplinary approaches and eager to engage in an international research environment. Strong analytical and writing skills, together with a good command of academic English, will be essential for conducting the research and contributing to international publications and conferences. Familiarity with the Indonesian context or an interest in cultural heritage issues would be an asset, although it is not a prerequisite. The ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholders—including researchers, architects, heritage professionals, public institutions, and local communities—will also be highly valued, as the project is grounded in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of vernacular architectural heritage.

Bibliography

- Barricelli, B. R., Casiraghi, E., & Fogli, D. (2019). A Survey on Digital Twin: Definitions, Characteristics, Applications, and Design Implications. IEEE Access, 7, 167653–167671.
- De - Luca, L. (2006). Relevé et multi-représentations du patrimoine architectural : méthodes, formalismes et outils pour l'observation dimensionnée d'édifices. Thèse de doctorat, Université de Marseille.
- Dore, C., & Murphy, M. (2012). Integration of Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and 3D GIS for Recording and Managing Cultural Heritage Sites. Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia.
- Fasse, I., De Luca, L., & Nys, P. (2022). Patrimoine architectural et humanités numériques. SHS Web of Conferences.
- Fuller, A., Fan, Z., Day, C., & Barlow, C. (2020). Digital Twin: Enabling Technologies, Challenges and Open Research. IEEE Access, 8, 108952–108971.
- Grieves, M., & Vickers, J. (2017). Digital Twin: Mitigating Unpredictable, Undesirable Emergent Behavior in Complex Systems. In Kahlen, F.-J., Flumerfelt, S., & Alves, A. (Eds.), Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Complex Systems. Springer, pp. 85–113.
- Murphy, M., McGovern, E., & Pavia, S. (2013). Historic Building Information Modelling: Adding Intelligence to Laser and Image-Based Surveys of European Classical Architecture. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 76, 89–102.
- Paul Oliver (2006). Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture. Oxford: Architectural Press.
- Rasheed, A., San, O., & Kvamsdal, T. (2020). Digital Twin: Values, Challenges and Enablers. ASME/Applied Mechanics Reviews (version prépublication largement diffusée sur arXiv).

Keywords

Vernacular architecture, Digital twin, BIM/HBIM, Knowledge transfer, Digital mediation, Resilience