Phygital Urbanism

In urban development, physical models help stakeholders visualize form and design elements, while digital twins enable data-driven simulation and scenario analysis. These tools often exist separately, accessible only to those skilled in both. Completed as part of the Introduction to Computational Design course, Phygital Urbanism merges these mediums into a hybrid system that allows stakeholders to iterate and analyze designs collaboratively. The prototype features a physical urban block composed of modular elements—low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise, and skyscraper blocks, plus grey and green infrastructure tokens—each with fiduciary markers read by a computer vision framework via webcam. A corresponding digital twin, generated in real time in Rhinoceros, uses generative code to visualize forms, floor areas, and other features. This synchronized system broadens participation and enhances collaboration in large-scale urban planning.