33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) - Osaka and Kyoto, Japan - 2025

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0177

The Role of Digital Twin Systems and Lean Construction in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Wassim AlBalkhy1, Zoubeir Lafhaj2, Ming Shan NG3 & Jurgen Hackl4

1Researcher, Centrale Lille, CNRS, UMR 9013-LaMcube, Lille, France, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4772-8133
2Full Professor, Centrale Lille, CNRS, UMR 9013-LaMcube, Lille, France, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1985-9176
3Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2610-3561
4Assistant Professor, Princeton University, USA, [email protected]

Abstract

This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to explore the diverse applications of Digital Twin Systems (DTs) in the preservation, restoration, renovation, and conservation of cultural heritage. Reviewing 81 studies, it was found that there is a significant emphasis on preserving tangible cultural heritage primarily in Europe and Asia, with lesser focus on intangible heritage and other global regions. The study highlights how DTs serve as pivotal technologies that bridge the physical and digital realms, enhancing data-centric decision-making and operational efficiencies in cultural heritage management. Additionally, the incorporation of lean construction principles is analyzed, demonstrating that integrating these principles with DTs can further enhance preservation efforts by optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and improving overall process efficiency in heritage conservation. This dual approach underscores the transformative potential of DTs when aligned with lean construction methodologies, offering a path toward sustainable and effective preservation practices.

Keywords

Digital Twins; Cultural Heritage; Construction; Renovation; Preservation; Historical Artefacts, Monuments, and Sites; Lean Construction; Lean Construction 4.0.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

AlBalkhy, W., Lafhaj, Z., NG, M. S. & Hackl, J.. (2025). The Role of Digital Twin Systems and Lean Construction in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 905–916). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0177

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

AlBalkhy, W., Lafhaj, Z., NG, M. S. & Hackl, J.. (2025). The Role of Digital Twin Systems and Lean Construction in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0177

 

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