1 Architect, Urbanist, PhD Student, Ecole Polytechnique d'Architecture et d'Urbanisme (EPAU) Algiers
Abstract. Urban crises, though destructive, offer unique opportunities to rebuild cities through innovative digital tools. This study explores how digital twins (DTs) and artificial intelligence (AI) can support post-crisis urban regeneration, balancing technological efficiency with socio-cultural and ethical imperatives. The proposed model, applied to the Nabi-Jarjis District in Mosul, demonstrates how these technologies optimize reconstruction, preserve identity, and improve decision-making. The findings highlight that digital twins, when integrated with participatory governance, can transform reconstruction into a process of inclusive and sustainable urban renewal.
Keywords: Urban regeneration; Digital twins; AI; Cultural heritage preservation.1. Rethinking Urban Regeneration through Crises
Urban crises expose the fragility of cities but also act as catalysts for reinvention. Pieterse (2006) and Hoelscher et al. (2022) argue that such shocks on innovation and inclusivity in rebuilding efforts. Projects like Msheireb in Qatar (Boussaa, 2017) show how cultural heritage can anchor modernization.Two core frameworks guide this research: urban metabolism—optimizing resource cycles (Thomson & Newman, 2017; Palme & Salvati, 2020)—and urban DNA, which emphasizes identity and local character (Votsis & Haavisto, 2019). As Papangelou et al. (2023) note, merging these perspectives creates a regenerative vision where sustainability meets heritage. Yet, their implementation requires tools capable of simulating complex urban systems—precisely where digital twins and AI become essential.
2. Digital Twins as Catalysts of Urban Transformation
Digital twins replicate cities virtually to simulate scenarios, predict outcomes, and inform governance. From Shanghai’s participatory AI models (Zhou et al., 2023) to Herrenberg’s citizen-engaged DT platform (Dembski et al., 2020), these tools integrate data-driven foresight with human input. They improve transparency, anticipate climate risks (Thérias & Rafiee, 2023), and strengthen social trust (Ravid & Aharon-Gutman, 2022).However, ethical issues—biases, exclusion, data ownership—remain (Crawford, 2021). Thus, DTs must operate within a socio-technical framework that ensures inclusivity, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
3. Methodological Framework and Case Application
This research adopts an integrated methodology:1.Literature review on post-crisis innovation (Pieterse, 2008; Hoelscher et al., 2022).
2. Comparative case studies (Mosul, Detroit, Christchurch) to assess how DTs influence recovery (UNESCO, 2021; Bosher et al., 2023).
3. Model development—a hybrid structure combining simulation, stakeholder weighting, and ethical constraints (Kitchin, 2023; Gabrys, 2022).
Applied to Mosul’s Nabi-Jarjis district, the model incorporates heritage conservation rates, ROI, and social cohesion metrics. A 25% volumetric premium (Δ) incentivizes investment while maintaining cultural integrity. Simulations yield a 72% resident satisfaction rate, aligning with UN-Habitat (2023) benchmarks.
4. Results and Insights
Findings confirm that digital twins bridge the gap between data-driven efficiency and cultural continuity. They:- Enable adaptive planning through real-time feedback loops.
- Enhance stakeholder consensus by visualizing trade-offs (Saaty, 2008).
- Strengthen resilience, integrating climate, economic, and cultural layers.
5. Discussion and Future Outlook
Digital twins redefine urban governance. Rather than mere replicas, they act as mediators between innovation and heritage, integrating participatory ethics into smart city systems (Roversi, 2024). Yet, their success depends on data accessibility, institutional coordination, and citizen digital literacy—particularly in post-conflict or low-resource contexts.Future applications should focus on:
- Pilot projects integrating BIM, IoT, and community interfaces.
- Ethical protocols for transparency and equity (Crawford, 2021).
- Capacity building, ensuring local ownership of digital infrastructures.
By embedding human values in AI-assisted urbanism, cities can regenerate without erasing their identity.
6. Conclusion
Urban regeneration through digital twins is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a cultural and ethical project. By aligning innovation with heritage, these models turn reconstruction into a participatory, data-informed process. The case of Mosul proves that with proper governance and ethical framing, digital twins can revive both the fabric and the spirit of cities.Références
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