REVALUE-BUILD: AI-Enabled Digital Twins for Circular Retrofit of Public Buildings
Develop an AI-driven digital twin framework to optimize circular retrofit and resource efficiency in public buildings.
Best for:Best for engineering and architecture graduates interested in artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sustainable construction.
Overview
This 3.5-year PhD project at The University of Manchester is offered under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2027/28. The research focuses on creating an AI-enabled digital twin framework that assists building owners and asset managers in making evidence-based decisions for the circular retrofit of public buildings. The candidate will investigate how to integrate building condition records, material inventories, and lifecycle data into a digital environment to extend component lifespans and minimize construction waste. The successful applicant will engage in rigorous academic research combining artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sustainable construction practices.
What you'll do
- Develop and test an AI-enabled digital twin framework tailored for circular retrofit decision-making in public buildings.
- Investigate the integration of building condition data, asset records, and material inventories within a unified digital environment.
- Examine how artificial intelligence can evaluate component conditions and estimate remaining service potential.
- Conduct case studies on public buildings to validate the proposed framework and practical implementation strategies.
- Analyze the balance between environmental benefits, lifecycle costs, and technical feasibility in refurbishment projects.
Requirements
Degree required: First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree, or a Master's degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Academic background in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field
- Strong interest in sustainable built environments, digital construction, or building retrofit
- Ability to conduct independent academic research and data analysis
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for academic collaboration
- Eligible for consideration under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards criteria
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-04
Interested applicants should contact the main supervisor, Dr Rashid Maqbool, via email with initial enquiries. The submission must include a current Curriculum Vitae, academic transcripts, and a brief statement detailing academic background, research interests, and motivation for the project.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of research interests and motivation
Contact
Rashid Maqbool· Main Supervisor
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