BIM delivery in Doha

by Mark Crowe | March 12, 2021 | 3 min read

BIM delivery in Doha
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Living proof that despite a global pandemic, work does go on, and to an exceptionally high standard. At BIM Academy, we don’t let physical borders get in the way of project delivery.

In November 2019, BIM Academy Associate, Mark Crowe set up a satellite office in Doha at the start of a digital transformation programme for a Qatar government authority. At this point in time Mark believed he would be based in Qatar for 18 months.

Fast forward to April 2020 and flights were booked to return to the UK due the outbreak of coronavirus. Testament to Mark and his team, despite not being on the ground at the project epicentre, the project was a resounding success, with continual contact being made with the client virtually and project delivery managed remotely.

This was a ground-breaking project for the client, being its first major commitment to the use of BIM and implementing new digitally enabled working practices. 

Mark’s role was to lead a team implementing BIM across this Qatar government department. And now, as the project nears completion, we reflect back on what was achieved and what comes next for this forward-thinking country.

The objective of the project programme was to create unparalleled efficiency throughout the entire organisation, deliver greater value in time and cost management and quality control through design, construction and operations of its existing and new assets.

We worked in partnership with the client in supporting planning, recruitment and overall programme management on the delivery of this project. Our key focus was to look at the existing the asset and information management strategy and developing standards in accordance with international practices.

Ultimately, we provided a full vehicle for the implementation of BIM within the organisation including documents and guidance to support the agreement of a suitable contract incorporating BIM, key processes to undertake and monitor, methods for the organisation to measure progress and success, and support for the delivery team.

A key anchor for the project was a BIM Policy developed through consultation with all client departments to define the aims and expectations of BIM within the rollout. A Training Plan was developed through consultation with key stakeholders, and detailed by survey of all staff, to provide a clear and effective uplift in knowledge across the client teams.

The scale of change and project required an extremely rigorous review process, efficiently incorporating all stakeholders to ensure it was effectively tested prior to release and to ensure all stakeholders were appropriately incorporated in the development / decision process. Regular hands-on workshops necessary with key stakeholders took them through the journey, both in terms of allowing for review, and demonstrating actions taken.

For the client the plan was for BIM to become a delivery vehicle for careful planning and management of the design, construction and operation phases of its projects. We are now at the point where the strategy is complete and pilot BIM projects are operational. Fortunately, the pandemic has had little impact on the role out of the project at each stage and work has continued throughout the past 18 months to deliver this impressive undertaking of vision, foresight and faith in what BIM can bring to such an important part of a country’s infrastructure.

For more information, please contact Mark Crowe at  [email protected].