Categorical models for equivariant classifying spaces (Q2409799)

The classifying space \(BG\) of a topological group \(G\) allows one to construct a bijection between isomorphism classes of vector bundles over a space \(X\) and homotopy classes of maps from \(X\) to \(BG\). Let \(\Pi\) be another topological group, with \(G\) acting on \(\Pi\) and let \(\Pi \rtimes G\) be the semi-direct product. A principal \((G,\Pi_G)\)-bundle \(p : E \to B\) is a \(\Pi \ltimes G\)-equivariant map where the action on \(B\) is via the quotient to \(G\) and forgetting \(\Pi\)-actions gives a principal \(\Pi\)-bundle. There is an analogous result classifying principal \((G,\Pi_G)\)-bundles over a \(G\)-space \(X\) in terms of \(G\)-homotopy classes of maps from \(X\) to an equivariant classifying space. This paper gives categorical constructions of these spaces. Specifically, if \(G\) is discrete and \(\Pi\) is either discrete or compact Lie, this paper gives a universal principal \((G,\Pi_G)\)-bundle in terms of classifying spaces of certain simple categories. The authors then investigate and identify the \(G\)-fixed points of the domain of that universal bundle. Finally, in the case where \(G\) is finite, some equivalent constructions are given with an eye to applications to equivariant loop spaces and equivariant algebraic \(K\)-theory. This very readable paper is a valuable introduction to the theory of equivariant classifying spaces.