# Virtual Twin Experiences for Infrastructure & Cities

Discover how virtual twins empower architects, city planners, builders and even citizens to develop clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and industrialized construction for resilient, sustainable and people-centric environments.

## What is a Virtual Twin in Infrastructure & Cities?

A virtual twin is a dynamic digital replica that mirrors real infrastructure, from neighborhoods to entire cities, integrating real-world data and simulations to guide better decisions across planning, construction and operations.

It’s more than a 3D model: it’s a living system to test ideas, optimize resources and align stakeholders before anything is built.

 Cities are the ultimate test of sustainability. With virtual twins, we can model the impact of every decision—from green buildings to circular economies—and empower citizens to co-create their future.

**Florence Verzelen**

Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA)

 ![Florence Verzelen](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-02/florence-verzelen-2.jpg)

[   View profile     ](/about/company/leadership/florence-verzelen)

[   https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-verzelen-a4b7333/     ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-verzelen-a4b7333/)

From transforming mobility systems to strengthening energy resilience, virtual twins are reshaping how cities respond to today’s most complex challenges.

## Why Infrastructure & Cities Must Change

Cities face mounting pressure from aging infrastructure, climate risks and rapid urbanization.
Many existing systems - such as transportation grids, utilities and housing - were not designed for today's needs or tomorrow's expectations.

- Cities weren’t built for light mobility or clean energy.
- Grids weren’t made for decentralized, renewable production.
- Construction lags in productivity and faces massive skills shortages.

To meet the future, we can’t just build more. We must build differently, with sustainability, resilience and people in mind.

## How Virtual Twin Technology Transforms the Infrastructure & Cities Landscape

Virtual twins enable us to envision and develop better places to live, work and thrive. At any scale, from construction products to buildings, networks, districts, cities and entire territories. And at any phase, from design to construction to operations.

- **Construction** is evolving into an industrialized process. Virtual twins support the design of modular, prefabricated structures that reduce waste, encourage reuse and scale sustainable approaches.
- The most **complex infrastructure projects** involve thousands of workers on a tight schedule and with complementary roles. Virtual twins bring together all elements to help deliver even the most complex projects on schedule within budget.
- Planning the future of a city must factor in countless challenges: resilience to climate change, transition to clean and lighter mobility, evolving demographics and work patterns. Virtual twins help **citizens, planners** and **leaders** to collaboratively shape smarter, more resilient urban environments.

## Reinventing Cities to Meet Future Challenges

Facing demographic shifts, climate pressures and rising citizen expectations, cities must transform into resilient, sustainable and digitally enabled ecosystems. Success hinges on two priorities: cutting carbon emissions and optimizing resource use.

Dassault Systèmes’ virtual twin solutions empower cities to design, simulate and manage their future. These digital replicas enable scenario testing and data-driven solutions to meet tomorrow’s urban challenges.

[Dassault Systèmes in People's Lives - Infrastructure & Cities](/media/21159)

## The Infrastructors: Building Cities of the Future with Virtual Twin Technologies

Cities face unprecedented challenges, from climate resilience to rapid urbanization.

With The Infrastructors by Dassault Systèmes, urban planners and infrastructure leaders can gain insights and inspiration for leveraging virtual twin technology to design, simulate and optimize the sustainable cities of the future.

[The Infrastructors ](/media/21201)

[Meet The Infrastructors ](https://infrastructors.3ds.com/)

## Urban Renaissance

**Witness an Urban Renaissance powered by virtual twins!**

Dassault Systèmes believes The Only Progress is Human. We’ve explored how transforming cities with smarter infrastructure, sustainable design and enhanced livability is reshaping urban futures.

[Urban Renaissance](/media/21202)

[  Learn more about Urban Renaissance     ](/progress-is-human/cities)

## ## Revolutionizing Infrastructure & Cities with Virtual Twin Technology

Explore how virtual twins are transforming infrastructure and cities with precision, innovation and improved product outcomes.

## How is Virtual Twin Technology Answering the Infrastructure & Cities Industry Needs?

Discover how virtual twins turn complexity into actionable urban solutions.

## Urban Planning & Infrastructure

## Construction & Materials

## Sustainable Energy

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2025-07/sustainable-energy.jpg)

## Urban Mobility

## Harmonizing Progress with Sustainable Infrastructure

**The green transition demands reimagined infrastructure, innovative clean energy and circular materials.**

See how our solutions turn bold ambitions into actionable blueprints.

[Sustainable progress](/media/21204)

[  Discover the experience     ](/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/sustainable-progress)

## Real-World Applications of Virtual Twins in Infrastructure & Cities

Virtual twins add value across every phase of urban development, transforming everything from infrastructure planning to city operations. Serving the needs of municipalities, planners and builders, virtual twins allow entire urban systems to be designed and optimized in the digital realm.

Once projects go live, real-time data feeds back into the virtual twin, enabling continuous improvements for sustainability, resilience and efficiency. Virtual twins empower cities to enhance operations, reduce environmental impact and meet evolving regulations, meeting citizen needs with agility.

Explore stories that demonstrate how virtual twins are being applied in real-world urban projects by Dassault Systèmes customers, to drive smarter, more sustainable cities.

## Bouygues Construction

Bouygues Construction is reshaping the future of sustainable building with virtual twin technology, putting people at the heart of every project.

By digitally simulating urban designs before construction, they’re creating safer work environments for teams, more livable spaces for communities and eco-efficient solutions for future generations.

See how this human-centered approach is transforming infrastructure from the ground up.

[Bouygues Construction](/media/21205)

[Explore their story](/insights/customer-stories/bouygues-construction)

[  Discover more customer stories     ](/insights/customer-stories)

## ## Virtual Twins’ Impact Across the Infrastructure & Cities Value Chain

Cities worldwide are achieving 30% faster planning cycles and 20% lower emissions using virtual twin technology, transforming infrastructure into dynamic, sustainable ecosystems.

## (VT Infra)Curious About Virtual Twins? Find Answers in Our FAQ.

## What is a virtual twin in infrastructure & cities?

A virtual twin is a dynamic, digital replica of a city or infrastructure that integrates real-time data - that comes from IoT sensors, for example - and combines that with existing knowledge and know-how to support running unlimited simulations for decision making. It enables planners to visualize, test and optimize urban environments, from transportation networks to energy grids, before implementation, improving efficiency, sustainability and citizen experience.

## How are virtual twins transforming urban planning and development?

Virtual twins revolutionize urban planning by simulating different urban planning scenarios such as traffic flow, disaster resilience or energy use. Cities like [Singapore](https://www.3ds.com/insights/customer-stories/virtual-singapore "Singapoe") and Barcelona use them to reduce costs, enhance livability and accelerate data-driven decision-making, turning theoretical models into actionable insights and tools for decision making.

## How do virtual twins support sustainable city initiatives?

Virtual twins enable smarter sustainability in cities by:

- Improving energy management and supporting renewable adoption
- Streamlining waste management and recycling systems
- Enhancing climate resilience through predictive modeling
- Improving low-carbon transportation planning

By simulating scenarios before implementation, virtual twins help cities reduce environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency - accelerating the transition to sustainable urban futures.

## What is the difference between a virtual twin of a city and a traditional urban simulation?

A virtual twin of a city is an advanced, dynamic digital model that evolves in real-time, while a traditional urban simulation is a static, scenario-based projection. Here’s how they compare:

| Virtual Twin | Traditional Simulation |
|---|---|
| Real-time data updates | Static historical data |
| AI-driven adaptability | Manual recalibration required |
| Interactive scenario testing | Limited, pre-set conditions |

- Virtual twins enable proactive decision-making (e.g., rerouting traffic during accidents).
- Traditional simulations are cheaper but lack precision for long-term planning.

As an example, [Virtual Singapore](https://www.3ds.com/insights/customer-stories/virtual-singapore "Virtual Singapore") adjusts transportation plans using live commuter data, while traditional models might miss rush-hour anomalies.

## How can virtual twins enhance public transportation systems?

Virtual twins optimize transit by:

- Dynamic adjustments: Adapting bus or train schedules using live ridership data
- EV infrastructure: Planning charging station locations based on traffic patterns
- Accessibility: Simulating routes for wheelchair users, bicycles or other non-motorized vehicles

As an example, Helsinki reduced bus delays by 15% using this virtual twin technology.

## What role do IoT and big data play in digital twin city models?

IoT and big data are the foundational technologies that power digital twins of cities by:

- IoT Sensors: Providing real-time data on traffic, air quality, energy use and infrastructure performance
- Big Data Analytics: Processing massive datasets to:
    - Predict urban trends (e.g., traffic patterns)
    - Optimize city services (e.g., waste collection routes)
    - Enable AI-driven decision making

Together, IoT and big data create living digital models that continuously learn and improve city operations.

## How can virtual twins enhance construction processes?

Virtual twins transform construction by enabling:

- Digital prototyping: Testing building designs and identifying issues before physical work begins
- Modular optimization: Planning prefabricated components for faster, waste-free assembly
- Real-time monitoring: Tracking progress and safety compliance via IoT-connected job sites
- Resource efficiency:- Simulating material needs to reduce excess ordering by 20-30%

Virtual twin technology helps complete projects faster, safe and with lower environmental impact, as demonstrated by leaders like [Bouygues Construction](/insights/customer-stories/bouygues-construction "Bouygues Construction story").

## You Might Want to Explore...

## About Dassault Systèmes

We’re in the business of innovation. Through our unique solutions, we bring virtual twin experiences to everyone – including you!

[What is Dassault Systèmes?](/about/company/what-is-dassault-systemes)

## Virtual Twin as a Service

VTaaS provides the expertise, equipment, and maintenance for virtual twins, delivering the value you need without the complexity.

[Accelerate profitability](/consulting-services-value-engagement/virtual-twin-service)

## Online store

Kick-start your design journey in a cloud-based collaborative space to foster innovation from day one.

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## Contact sales

Have a Dassault Systèmes expert contact you to answer your questions and discuss any of your needs.

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 ![Virtual Twin Cities - Dassault Systemes](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2025-06/infrastructure-cities-hero-banner.jpg)

[Virtual Twin Cities video loop](/media/21260)