A glance back in time: a few years earlier, the northern region of Mozambique had been plagued by terrorist attacks and unstable situations associated with the exploitation of gas and liquid gas. In this process, public facilities, comprising small buildings ranging from 500 to a thousand meters, were significantly affected—totalling 84 in number.
To enhance living conditions, a project for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of these facilities took place. The project was endorsed by the United Nations and financed by the World Bank.
Catenda Hub was honoured to be selected as the main software platform for communication and design implementation of this special project. Mr. Camilo Mogni, the project technical manager, joined us to uncover how open BIM technology can contribute to the successful delivery of a global and complex project.
PROJECT BRIEF
Location: Mocimboa de Praia, northern Mozambique.
Type of Facilities: 20 out of 84 including schools, social facilities, clinics, and administration offices from the municipalities. Some of these buildings are even 60 years old, dating back to the colonization era before 1970, with most of them showcasing Portuguese architectural style.
Area: Almost 6000 m2 of areas distributed in 9 locations
Team: 25 Engineers Quantity Surveyors and Architects located around the globe
Costs: Approximately $25.000 – $30.000.
Contract Owner: CSI Ingenieros (Programme Manager) and Code+Architects (Project Manager)
THE CHALLENGE
This project is unique because it needed to address many major challenges imposed by the project scale, complexity, and location.
Demand for Technical Specifications in a Complex and Global-Scale Project
Given that the project handled 20 facilities spread across large regions of Mozambique, Camilo Mogni (Code+Architects) and his team were under pressure to establish the same technical specifications across all 20 processes to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Involvement of a global team combining different software solutions
To harmonize the unique preferences and styles of 25 architects and engineers collaborating for the first time, Camilo must find a way to integrate diverse technologies, ensuring seamless collaboration, implementing effective BIM coordination and establishing standardization for quality and price.
Data Restrictions and Site Analysis
Mozambique’s specific location conditions posed challenges due to material scarcity and logistical difficulties in importing from South Africa. Therefore, his team faced significant data restrictions during site analysis and building examination. This necessitated clear, detailed, and consistent choices of materials, tools, or equipment from the beginning to ensure effective quality and budget control.
To overcome the tender process at the end of the project, Camilo and his team had successfully navigated all challenges. Throughout the project, Catenda Hub supported them in simultaneous communication from South America and Africa to other parts of the world, creating a comprehensive and standardized set of information, and managing project budget and quality.
THE USAGE OF CATENDA HUB TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES
How was the project organized in Catenda Hub?
Structure
Camilo set up one project in Catenda Hub, with different processes for specific buildings organized in 3Ds.
3D Viewer in Catenda Hub
The Technical Manager could set the parameters of use and technical specifications. All the participants involved in the project must be aware of the terms of reference and were responsible for their compliance.
Naming Conventions
Camilo and his team believed in the importance of establishing the naming convention, which later automated using Catenda Hub.
Naming conventions allowed them to set rules and limit the files uploaded to a folder based on the name of the original file. This proved very useful in preventing the problem of misunderstanding and effectively managing their project online.
Version Control
In this project, Catenda Hub played a crucial role in coordinating document versions, distributing documentation, and assisting in organizing and controlling changes during the process.
The use of Catenda Hub helped solve a widespread issue in many projects: The reluctance of both electrical and mechanical engineers to update files. By recording all version changes, Catenda Hub ensured that all project participants consistently accessed the latest version.
With Catenda Hub, the mechanical engineers were able to coordinate directly in the model itself and only used the documentation at the end. This approach allowed them to have consistent information in the projects and coordinate in the updated IFC models.
Coordinate directly with the 3D model in Catenda Hub
In Catenda Hub, there’s no way for them to revert to version 2 or 3. This aspect was crucial for me because it helped avoid having an electrical layout in the wrong architectural plan, which is a common issue.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Access Control
The project had two administrators, while the rest were essentially users. According to Camilo and his team, it was a smooth and conflict-free experience.
Each participant, based on their role in the project, received access to relevant information, creating a seamless and data-driven workflow throughout the entire project.
What were the main uses of Catenda Hub?
It involved a different approach of using Catenda Hub because I had to combine multiple buildings in different locations.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
This project did not follow universal practices. Instead of being geographically limited, everyone worked in one location to manage a specific process. In this case, there were 25 processes located within a broad South African area. Therefore, they devised an innovative approach, leveraging open BIM technology to address the challenges.
A single point of data for each process
They utilized Catenda Hub as their Common Data Environment, where models were loaded. Each time a model was uploaded in Catenda Hub, they managed to localize it, constituting a shared space.
Consequently, they began to have multiple areas for different buildings. To address this, they initiated planning and coordinated their locations. This is how they established a single point of location gathering all necessary data for each process.
Plug-ins for versatile integration and model combination
In a project of this complexity, numerous specific tools come into play. The primary design tools used in this project were Autodesk Revit and Archicad. The plug-ins available in Catenda Hub allowed team to seamlessly combine information and diverse modeling in architecture, structure, and MEP through the IFC files. These integrations also enabled communication between Autodesk Revit and Archicad for data sharing.
Combine and visualize models in Catenda Hub
Moreover, IFC also facilitated cross-checking BIM specifications and families to achieve uniformity in the design proposal and specifications. Camilo and his team noted that exporting information into Excel for charting and taking specifications was a seamless and effortless process.
However, it was recommended to add an AutoCAD integration in the near future for even smoother collaboration.
The modelling process involved collaboration with electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers working within those models. From my experience, communication was efficient, because you can download Catenda Hub directly into Revit or Archicad.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Thanks to Catenda Hub and open BIM philosophy, the design workflow of this project was optimized, including an initial modelling phase, a BIM coordination process for seamless integration, and then a documentation process primarily conducted using PDFs, as specified in the contract.
PDF Comparison Tool
One notable feature emphasized by the project team was the PDF comparison tool. Catenda Hub systematically gathered and recorded all the files uploaded to the platform, fostering accountability and transparency in construction projects.
The PDF comparison tool was very useful; it arrived at the end of the process. It proved valuable for comparing the third version when you were already at the last stage of the same process. This was beneficial as it enhanced accountability.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Issue Management
Issue Management was used as the main tool of communication. It helped Camilo and his team handle a tremendous number of issues and thereby enhancing control quality.
It was very easy to use. Thanks to this function, I didn’t have problems exchanging and resolving issues with a large team, who were based in Monterrey, Argentina, Portugal, Cape Town and many different parts of Mozambique.”
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
The whole project was managed totally online and not a single meeting was organized. It was quite interesting and time-saving for the whole team.
In many cases, we thought it wasn’t important to have physical meetings because of the location. Even with my internal team in Pretoria, we basically worked online. Occasionally, if someone was not performing well or efficiently, we gave them a call. But, in general, we worked very well.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Camilo also highlighted another intriguing aspect – the ability to mark issues as comments directly in either the models or the PDF files. This feature provided flexibility and streamlined the reporting process. At the end of each process, Camilo had to generate numerous reports, and the issues recorded as comments served as a comprehensive history, greatly assisting him in observing and tracking the unfolding events.
Issue Management has long proven to be one of the best features in Catenda Hub. However, in this particular scenario, Camilo and his team elevated its utility to new heights by leveraging its capacity to save their precious time. Once again, Issue Management has demonstrated its potential to replace offline meetings, especially in projects with tight deadlines.
Quality and Price Standardization
Catenda Hub enables the storage of input data for each BIM project. Once Camilo and his team decided on the types of materials or pieces of equipment they would like to use, and gathered sufficient background information, they could establish standardized criteria for quality and price in Catenda Hub.
It’s important to remember that there will be a tender process at the end of the project. We were not aware of the contract details yet; that was why having a comprehensive and standardized set of information was crucial for us. This approach made it easier to calculate the budget, control and manage the project.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Object details shown in Catenda Hub
HOW DID CATENDA HUB IMPROVE BIM COORDINATION FOR THIS PROJECT?
Effective Time Management
Catenda Hub offers various features, such as issue management and notifications, which streamline the workflow and enhance communication in large projects. The data is updated in real-time, resulting in reduced significant project delays.
The first benefit is time management. With Catenda Hub, communication is faster and less stressful. You know for sure when somebody receives information, and you can even track what’s done and not done. If somebody is falling behind, you can call them and catch up in time.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Robust Accessibility
Because we were based in Africa, internet connectivity was not stable at all; in some places, we only had 3G. However, connecting with Catenda Hub was incredibly accessible and easy.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Catenda Hub enables a robust power of accessibility, even under the limited conditions. It allows connection with phones, tablets, and even laptops. What’s more important to note is that users don’t even need a high-speed connection to work with Catenda Hub.
Enhanced Working Capacity
Catenda Hub significantly boosted work efficiency, allowing Camilo and his team to reclaim valuable time previously dedicated to meetings, travel, and resolving misunderstandings. Once the workflow was established, every participant could promptly begin working, coordinating, and communicating with each other.
Traveling in Africa typically consumes a lot of time; we often spend 3 hours per day on travel, which is normal. Additionally, my engineers sometimes did not stay in the same place; they could be at the office or on the site. However, with Catenda Hub, every process could take place online, saving us a significant amount of time and, consequently, money as well.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Budget Optimization
Catenda Hub with its business model helped them coordinate 20 people, and even more users, spread geographically, working together effectively and productively. With a pricing structure established at the project’s outset, every participant can focus entirely on project completion without concerns about hidden costs.
Catenda Hub is a financially and functionally good option. While at first, it seemed to be a bit more costly compared to other BIM software choices, in the overall perspective, it was truly worth it.
Camilo Mogni – Project Technical Manager
Being involved in this special project to improve the lives of citizens in Mozambique was a great honour for us. Under Camilo’s leadership, Catenda Hub was successfully and efficiently employed to address numerous challenges within a short timeframe. “In general, I did enjoy it a lot as a management tool,” Camilo’s feedback serves as a strong motivation for Catenda to persist in striving for enhancements, providing more value to our customers, and contributing to making the built industry a better place.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
CSI – leaders in consulting, architecture and engineering services in Uruguay, and one of the main firms in the region
CSI, founded in 1980, is a globally recognized consulting and engineering firm that specializes in a wide range of disciplines, offering services to both industrial and infrastructure sectors. Over the years, CSI has played a crucial role in the success of our clients, engaging in over 3000 projects for businesses across more than 30 countries. Through their multi-specialist approach, CSI is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and customized solutions. They consistently integrate cutting-edge technologies to not only meet but surpass the unique needs of their customers.
ABOUT THE PROJECT TECHNICAL MANAGER
Camilo has 20 years of experience in architectural design, developing projects, and managing teams to achieve desired project outcomes on large infrastructure projects—from concept design to construction. He has a strong passion for the digitalization of the construction industry, with a focus on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and enhancing efficiencies in the design and construction processes. He firmly believes in leveraging technology to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and deliver exceptional results.
His experience includes the design of unique mega multidisciplinary projects, spanning commercial, sports facilities, industrial, corporate, educational, health, residential architecture, and urban design operations. Camilo acts as a Lead Design Architect and Project Manager, streamlining operations while overseeing projects. He is experienced in identifying business opportunities and leveraging leadership to manage multidisciplinary teams.
Camilo has vast experience in international ventures that have honed his ability to navigate cultural nuances, adapt to varying regulatory frameworks, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams on large-scale projects, including environmentally sensitive ones. His work experience extends beyond South Africa, encompassing diverse regions such as Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Mozambique, Uruguay, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.
