Kulturkvarteret is now taking shape – as a digital twin

As Örebro’s new centre for music and arts, Kulturkvarteret, takes form, Örebro University is putting together a digital copy of the physical building.
“The digital twin will benefit both visitors and facilities management,” says Jesper Hedlund at Örebroporten.

A digital twin is a digital copy of a physical environment, such as a building.

AI.MEE is a collaboration project run by Alfred Nobel Science Park and Örebro University. The goal is to create long-term growth in Region Örebro, by working together with companies to develop technical platforms within AI and autonomous systems.

Kulturkvarteret – a centre for music and arts – is currently being built adjacent to the Concert Hall in downtown Örebro. It will house the Örebro School of the Arts and the Town Library.

The digital twin may be used by visitors to find a bookshelf linked to a specific book, locate toilets or reserve a group room. Facility management can do searches on fault indicators and improve energy efficiency.

As part of the project AI.MEE, researchers at Örebro University are also contributing by building a level of artificial intelligence on top of the digital twin.

“The advantage of combining the digital twin with AI is that we can create simulations,” says Amy Loutfi, professor of information technology at Örebro University.

Simulations can be used for things like analysing energy use or predicting future activity. Another is observing how people use particular areas by collecting data and using simulation as a basis for decisions on the best use of facilities.

“In that way, surrounding environments can be customised so that they feel safer and better for everyone,” summarises Amy Loutfi.

Text and film: Anna Lorentzon
Translation: Jerry Gray