Conceptual digital twin framework for conserving urban cultural heritage: a case of Slave Island, Colombo

Abstract

Digital twins have emerged as significant tools within architecture and construction, enabling the creation of precise virtual representations of physical structures and environments. However, no universal digital twin system is applicable across all contexts, as development processes must be tailored according to specific site conditions, project objectives, and user requirements. Within heritage conservation, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twin principles support documentation, performance assessment, behavioural analysis, and preventive maintenance of historic environments. Nevertheless, their implementation remains complex, particularly within developing-country contexts where technological limitations and data constraints exist. In Sri Lanka, research and application of digital twins for urban cultural heritage conservation remain limited. Simultaneously, rapid modernization increasingly threatens colonial-era streetscapes and historically significant urban structures within Colombo. In response, this conceptual study proposes a site-specific digital twin framework for conserving disappearing urban cultural heritage, focusing on the De Soysa building and the surrounding streetscape of Slave Island, Colombo. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach combining a literature review, case study analysis, and semi-structured professional interviews to identify suitable framework components, implementation challenges, and future application strategies. The proposed conceptual workflow integrates archival documentation, digital reconstruction approaches, and comparative visualization techniques to support heritage documentation and long-term digital preservation. Findings indicate that heritage-oriented digital twin development within Sri Lanka requires context-sensitive and adaptable implementation strategies due to challenges associated with data acquisition, software accessibility, interoperability, cost, and ethical considerations. The study contributes by establishing an initial conceptual foundation for future digital twin implementation in urban cultural heritage conservation within resource-constrained contexts.