Skyscraper in Birmingham to make use of digital twins

At 155 metres tall, One Eastside is set to become the highest building in Birmingham when it is completed in 2026, and will also be one of the healthiest and safest thanks to a new research partnership between Birmingham City University (BCU) and specialist residential developer Court Collaboration.

Digital construction and AI experts at BCU are creating a digital twin of the building so they can monitor, visualise, and predict air quality and energy consumption.

The project’s co-lead, Professor Huseyin Seker, said:

This partnership marks a significant and unique contribution to the digital transformation of the construction sector by creating a digital twin that will make such a tall building digitally driven, healthier, and safer.

It’s a great example of how BCU is accelerating its research and expertise in digital transformation within the construction and built environment sectors by collaborating with national and international partners in academia and industry.

The digital twin will use artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to analyse data from sensors within the 51-storey property, which will consist of 667 one- and two-bedroomed apartments.

Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer of Court Collaboration, said:

It’s exciting to collaborate with BCU on this project. The combination of cutting-edge technology and engaging with some of our city’s brightest minds is fantastic, but to know that the work will deliver enhanced safety and efficiencies across both construction and the future life of the building is exceptional.

Thanks to the support of our funding partner, Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), One Eastside will deliver much needed high-quality build-to-rent accommodation in the city centre.