More Than Architecture… It's Innovation

Over these past few decades, we have witnessed tremendous changes in the architectural landscape, driven by technological advancements, environmental challenges, and evolving client needs. Our journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions that redefine the built environment. Today, we work hard to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies to deliver exceptional results. Looking ahead, we are excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges, continuing to push the boundaries of design. Our dedication to innovation is a cornerstone of our practice and a promise to our clients and communities to always strive for architectural excellence.

Fig. 11 | Virtual Reality (VR) in Architecture

At Figurr, we use VR equipment to understand and feel the space we are creating before we build. It allows us to explore the narrative of a project and validate the proportions of spaces as a team and with our client. We try to leverage this technology on as many projects as we can to constantly explore the “possible”.  

We shared this walkthrough at an aviation conference earlier this year in order to show the potential of our use of this technology in exploring a project. Using innovative technologies like VR helps us explain design concepts and explore possibilities.  

Fig.12 | Innovations in Construction

Being innovative with construction means testing materials and ideas. It means using the technology available to be creative with our designs. Numerical control machines (CNC machines) for fabricating structural elements have proven essential, ensuring high precision and significantly reducing material waste. This approach has accelerated construction timelines, lowered costs, and enhanced the quality and accuracy of the execution. Additionally, integrating BIM software allows for coordinated design and control of fabrication and execution, facilitating collaboration between consultants and the production factory.  

On another project, we are taking mass timber construction to new heights (literally). Working closely with our client, Hyperion, and their stakeholders, our team is currently involved in the design and implementation of an innovative new construction concept that will expand current ideas around wood construction. We are also thrilled to join the team to work on a new scalable timber building digital platform that will redefine the mass timber construction market. It’s these types of innovations that inspire and excite us. 

Fig. 13 | Sustainable Design: Passive House and Forward Thinking

We always try to find new strategies and techniques to improve sustainability practices. We aim to design efficient, resilient buildings that will last. Our recently completed project, 159 Forward Ave, is a great example of how sustainable goals can drive the design. The project reduces energy demands on the city infrastructure, reduces the costs for tenants, and serves as a long-term investment for the organization.  

Our team is also working on a new daycare in the North. This project uses an aluminum modular system that integrates Passive House principles. The building envelope has a higher performance when comparing to conventional buildings of the same type. Prefabrication offers the potential to reduce material and labour prices, to compensate for reduced workforce, and offer a very high quality of execution since modular systems are fabricated in a controlled environment, creating a safe construction process, that reduces site coordination. Figurr's sustainability leaders keep the team updated on new sustainable technologies, materials, and processes so that we can better serve our clients.   

Fig. 14 | Prefab Design  

Being innovative stems from thinking creatively about our projects and our processes. Whether we're working locally or on projects worldwide, world, we’re always eager to try new things. In 2019 we completed a unique prefab house for a private client. The house is in a remote location, overlooking Lake Manitou in Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Québec. The project comprises five factory-built modules, each approximately fifty feet long, constructed before being shipped to their final destination.  

Prefabricated design is something that we are involved in for several projects. Whether it’s a private home, a multi-family affordable housing project, a remote community project, or an innovative new building system, our team is all in.  

Fig. 15 | Investing in Team Development and Ongoing Learning

Continuing education and investment in team development are essential to our growth as individuals, a firm, and a profession. In 2023, the Figurr team spent 260 collective hours on professional development. We have implemented internal learning initiatives such as monthly in-house presentations, where we share project updates, and another lunchtime session called Archi-talks, where we discuss construction practices. These team initiatives and professional development have contributed to our innovations in wood construction, prefabrication, and energy-use reduction. Learning is a lifelong process that contributes to our ability to innovate in our projects and our practice.  

Innovation is always at the forefront of our minds when thinking about our work and practice. The team at Figurr thrives on new ways of working and building. Because innovation is fun, collaborative, and creative, it encapsulates what we love about making architecture.