and elevate project execution. The results were transformative.

This success story examines how Autodesk Build was used to facilitate effective stakeholder coordination and reduce snagging times, thereby supporting turner & Townsend to deliver the 12MW facility for Rack Centre with impressive precision, navigating environmental challenges and complex international stakeholder dynamics. With Baker Baynes as their implementation partner, the company leveraged digital transformation to empower both teams and outcomes.

Customer Challenges

Delivering a Tier III certified 12MW data centre in the heart of Lagos is complex. Add a global consortium of design and contracting teams, strict environmental compliance requirements, and a demanding commissioning schedule—and the need for a centralised collaboration platform became non-negotiable.

“The project introduced unique environmental considerations,” explains Daniel Osuala, Senior Project Manager at Turner & Townsend. “We had to conduct gas movement analysis, air quality control, and rerouting of fibre optics before even thinking about the main works.”

Moreover, collaboration involved international and local teams, including Arup as the prime design consultant (working alongside local partners such as KOA Consultants and LOA Architects), global environmental consultants (EPG UK), and major contractors like ITB and Lambert. Ensuring everyone worked from a single source of truth was crucial to avoiding costly miscommunications and inefficiencies.

Project Goals

From the outset, Turner &Townsend defined several key objectives for Rack Centre Phase 2:

• Ensure structured and trackable stakeholder collaboration
• Digitally manage project documentation, issues, and HSE reporting
• Create a consistent and enforceable process for construction submittals and RFIs
• Improve snagging close-out through mobile-first workflows
• Reduce administrative overhead for reporting and documentation handover
• Support BIM compliance through naming conventions and structured folder systems

“We had three phases to deliver: Enabling Works, Early Works, and the Main Build. At each phase, the goal was clear: we needed real-time access, traceability, and platform-driven accountability,” says Osuala.

Design Solutions

Enter Autodesk Build, Implemented by Baker Baynes

More than three years ago, Baker Baynes began collaborating with Turner & Townsend to implement Autodesk Build. According to Jani Viljoen, Director of AECO and Professional Services at Baker Baynes, “We supplied the software and led extensive configuration, workflow development, training workshops, and even assisted in shaping the BIM Execution Plan. Our team provided member and admin training to ensure the platform would serve them well across the project lifecycle.”

By the time Daniel Osuala joined the project in 2022, this foundation was firmly in place. “Baker Baynes had already laid the groundwork. They set up the folder structures, naming conventions, and initial user training, which made it much easier for me to take the platform and run with it,” says Osuala.

Workflows Deployed

The team leveraged Autodesk Build across eight major areas:

• Issues (especially for snagging and handover)
• HSE Performance Reporting (via smart PDF-based forms)
• Room Readiness Checklists
• RFI Management
• Construction Submittals (shop drawings, product data, approvals)
• Meeting Management (agendas, tasks, minutes)
• Naming Standards for BIM Compliance

Custom workflows and forms were set up to ensure each phase, from piling to handover, had traceable, digital documentation.

Business Benefits

1. Snag Reduction: 360 to Just 5

“At one point, we had 360 open snag items,” Osuala shares. “By the end of the project, only five remained, and I could tell you exactly whose court they were in seconds. That level of visibility was only possible because of ACC.”

Each snag was tracked in real time via the mobile app. Contractors, consultants, and client representatives could take photos, raise issues, and update statuses instantly. Status categories and priority levels (e.g., High = 3 days) ensured accountability.

“We categorised snags by priority, assigned timelines, and used the platform’s notifications to keep everyone on track. Compared to traditional methods, this was five times faster,” Osuala explains.

2. Meeting Management and Reporting Made Seamless

Autodesk Build became the single source of truth for weekly site meetings. Agendas, task assignments, meeting minutes, and attachments were centralised and shared instantly.

“Gone are the days of flipping through spreadsheets. I could click a report template, export the PDF, and send it to the client in minutes. It’s saved me hours every week,” says Osuala.

3. Contractual Integration Drove Compliance

Turner & Townsend recognised that real buy-in to Autodesk Construction Cloud would require more than just encouragement; it would need structure. “If it’s in the contract, it will be prioritised. If it’s optional, they won’t. Simple as that,” says Osuala.

This approach led to strong engagement. ITB appointed a dedicated document controller, and subcontractors followed suit; as a result, quality compliance increased significantly, as teams recognised the value of working within a defined digital framework.

4. HSE Reporting with Real-Time Dashboards

The HSE consultant used customised forms inside Autodesk Build to submit weekly reports, which were automatically routed to relevant stakeholders.

“Even though we only had one licence slot for HSE, we found a way to make it work by automating reporting with smart templates and minimal back-and-forth,” Osuala recalls.

5. Client Engagement and Transparency

Rack Centre’s team became power users of the system. “The client loved it; he’d walk around the site, take a picture, raise a snag, and send it to me instantly. That’s when you know the tool is doing its job,” says Osuala.

Autodesk Build became a powerful relationship tool, enabling weekly update charts on snagging trends, progress dashboards, and clear handover documentation. This level of transparency bolstered the client’s trust in Turner & Townsend.

6. Mobile Access Boosted Site Efficiency

Whether checking room readiness forms, referencing the latest drawings, or updating RFIs, mobile access to Autodesk Build saved significant time.

“I didn’t need an extra resource to do snag spreadsheets. My resource was ACC. It was all done live on site. That’s a game-changer,” Osuala emphasises.

7. Document Control and Version Assurance

With Autodesk Docs powering document management, Turner & Townsend avoided classic errors, including outdated drawing references. “Everyone always had the latest version. No disputes. No miscommunication. That’s massive,” Osuala reflects.

Conclusion

From early setup by Baker Baynes to daily use by Turner & Townsend’s project team, Autodesk Build proved instrumental in delivering the 12MW Rack Centre Phase 2 data centre. The project stands as a benchmark for what’s possible when a team combines structured implementation, contractual enforcement, and dedicated user onboarding.

“ACC made me more efficient, but more importantly, it made the team more accountable. From design to handover, we were connected, coordinated, and in control,” says Daniel Osuala.

Turner & Townsend now sees Autodesk Construction Cloud not just as a tool but as a competitive differentiator. As Osuala puts it, “It’s the future of how we’ll deliver projects, faster, better, and smarter.”

For Baker Baynes, the project confirms their role as more than just a reseller. “We don’t just sell software, we help teams build with confidence, clarity, and compliance,” concludes Jani Viljoen.

As West Africa’s construction ecosystem evolves, the Rack Centre story signals a clear message: digital transformation isn’t coming. It’s already here.