Enhancing building environments: A digital twin approach for informed decision-making and better campus experiences

Context: Smart buildings are foundational elements of smart cities, integrating technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Building Management Systems (BMS), and Digital Twins (DTs) to support design, construction, and operations. However, their potential to directly enhance occupant experience and inform individual decision-making remains relatively underexplored, particularly for non-technical users. Objective: This study investigates the effects of providing accessible, room-level environmental information to all building occupants using data from BIM/BMS systems. The goal is to support building occupants in their daily lives, increasing awareness of environmental conditions and offering added value for their decision-making processes. Method: We designed and developed a system that combines real-time sensor readings with short-term environmental forecasts and a comfort computation algorithm. These data are visualized through an interactive wayfinding interface deployed on public touch displays across a university campus. We evaluated the system using a mixed-methods approach, gathering qualitative and quantitative feedback on information quality, design quality, usability, and perceived value. Results: The evaluation revealed strong interest from non-experts in accessing environmental information. Participants found the system informative, easy to use, and valuable in supporting their everyday activities on campus. The combination of real-time and forecasted data, comfort indicators, and wayfinding contributed to a positive user experience. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and value of integrating environmental data into public, user-friendly smart buildings interfaces, highlighting the importance of accessible data in improving sustainability, efficiency, and occupant decision-making in smart campus digital twin environments.