Zarghami, S A and Dumrak, J (2026) Integrating cascading effects into risk assessment of metaverse implementation in the built environment. Building Research & Information, 54(2), pp. 216-236. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
The metaverse in the built environment has emerged as a virtual space enabling real-time interaction between physical and digital elements. However, its implementation faces significant challenges due to the complex interplay of risk factors. The cause-and-effect relationships and cascading effects of these risks remain underexplored, a problem further compounded by the novelty of metaverse applications and the lack of historical data to inform effective risk assessment. To address this gap, this study develops a system dynamics (SD) model to analyze how risks interact and shape implementation challenges. The model identifies six reinforcing feedback loops linking political, economic, social and technical risks, revealing cascading effects that threaten the successful integration of the metaverse into the built environment. Practically, the study offers organizations a decision support tool to prioritize critical risks and a visual model that enhances communication with senior executives, thereby improving strategic planning and resource allocation for metaverse implementation. Theoretically, the study advances risk-assessment literature by conceptualizing risks as dynamic, interacting systems, rather than isolated factors, thereby offering a framework that can be applied to analyze complex technological innovations in the built environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | built environment; cascading effect; feedback loop; metaverse; risk assessment; system dynamics |
| Index terms: | senior executive, cascading effect, built environment, risk factor, feedback loop, interaction, decision support, resource allocation, system dynamics, strategic planning, face, technological innovation, implementation, risk assessment, integration |
| Subjects: | leadership, financial risk, resource management, environmental hazards, infrastructure and transport systems, contractual arrangements, management, control systems, computing systems, innovation and technology management, decision analysis, systems engineering, psychology, organizational analysis, behavioral psychology |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Research Practice, Human Resources, Sustainability, Urban Studies, Cost Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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