New paradigms for smart eco-cities in the context of digital urban twins and metaverse

This study examines the opportunities offered by digital urban twins and metaverse integration in smart eco-city design. Digital urban twins are digital models that reflect the physical components of cities in a virtual environment and are updated with real-time data flow. The metaverse is a digital universe based on user interaction, including virtual and augmented reality environments. The combination of these two technologies enables smart eco-cities to be planned in a more efficient, sustainable and user-oriented manner. The main purpose of this study is to analyze these technologies in the context of urban design and planning and to propose applicable models for Turkey. While evaluating the innovative solutions offered by digitalization in architecture and urban planning, it also addresses critical issues such as data security, user experience, energy efficiency and sustainability. The research was conducted through descriptive and exploratory methods. The theoretical framework of digital urban twins and metaverse technologies was created through a literature review; successful digital twin projects on an international scale were analyzed. Detailed analyses of examples such as Helsinki 3D+, Virtual Singapore, Shanghai Digital Twin, New South Wales (Sydney) Digital Twin, Dubai Digital Twin and Seoul Digital Twin have been made and strategic model proposal for Turkey have been presented. This study is a resource that can make significant contributions to architecture and urban planning in the digital transformation process.