In the world of facade construction, precision, complexity, and efficiency are everything. At Aldowa, a full-service facade builder, innovation is not an add-on: it’s embedded in every project. We spoke with Misja Van Hattum, engineer, project manager, and 3DEXPERIENCE platform administrator, to explore how CATIA and ENOVIA empower Aldowa to automate repetitive tasks, handle complex assemblies, and bring architectural visions to life.
Bridging Architecture and Engineering in Facade Construction
Aldowa takes architectural ideas from concept to completion, designing, engineering, manufacturing, and installing facades themselves. Misja’s dual background in architecture and engineering allows him to translate architects’ visions into buildable solutions.
I can look at a project with the eyes of the architects as well as from our own perspective, how we can make things. That really helps me.
With growing project complexity and larger team demands, Aldowa faces challenges common in high-end construction: repetitive tasks, environmental constraints, and increasing scale. These challenges highlighted the need for streamlined, automated workflows that let the team focus on what they do best.
Automating and Accelerating Processes with CATIA
To address these challenges, Aldowa turned to CATIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, complemented by ENOVIA for project collaboration. The transition was smooth due to their long-term experience with SOLIDWORKS, which also runs on the same platform.
This allowed us to spend more time on the things we are good at.
With CATIA, Aldowa now automates repetitive tasks and handles large, complex assemblies, giving the company the confidence to take on bigger and more ambitious projects.
Collaboration and Readiness Across the Platform
Misja also manages Aldowa’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform administration, ensuring the team leverages collaborative functionality effectively. CATIA and ENOVIA allow seamless project coordination, client approvals, and team collaboration, all in one environment.
CATIA is also good at managing or handling large, complicated assemblies and projects. The two of those combined mean that we feel ready to take on larger projects.
By centralizing design, engineering, and collaboration, Aldowa reduces inefficiencies and ensures every facade project runs smoothly from design to installation.
Endless Possibilities: Exploring Innovation with CATIA
Beyond efficiency and collaboration, Misja emphasizes the creative freedom CATIA offers. The platform allows engineers and designers to explore new methods, new components, and entirely new ways of building facades.
For me personally, I really enjoy doing new things, doing things that I’ve never done before… There are lots of opportunities within CATIA… There’s really a whole new world to explore for us.
This mindset fuels Aldowa’s ongoing innovation, making the platform not just a tool, but a launchpad for experimentation and growth.
Conclusion
At Aldowa, CATIA and 3DEXPERIENCE are more than software. They are catalysts for efficiency, collaboration, and creative exploration. By automating repetitive tasks, managing complex assemblies, and enabling seamless teamwork, Aldowa can focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional facades and pushing the boundaries of design and engineering.
FAQ
- How does Aldowa use CATIA in facade projects?
CATIA allows Aldowa to automate repetitive tasks, design complex assemblies, and streamline the transition from architectural concept to buildable facade components.
- What is the role of 3DEXPERIENCE at Aldowa?
3DEXPERIENCE provides a collaborative environment where design, engineering, and project management converge, improving efficiency and coordination.
- What are the main benefits of using CATIA for Aldowa?
Efficiency, automation of repetitive work, handling of complex assemblies, readiness for larger projects, and creative freedom for innovation.
- Can CATIA adapt to new challenges and innovation in facade construction?
Yes, the platform allows exploration of new methods, components, and processes, enabling Aldowa to innovate continuously.