figure3’s challenge was to seamlessly work collaboratively with over 50 business leaders to integrate different working cultures in one building for the first time in OMERS history. They were looking for an efficient and effective planning strategy to increase density, reduce private offices and bring disparate entities together. The narrow floor plate was challenging and a decision was made to back the built spaces against busy core entry points to reduce distraction in the open workspaces on all typical floors. figure3 also sought to uncouple the notion of privacy being synonymous with private offices. By providing a range of solutions, from acoustical sound masking to increasing the variety work settings available, the employees of OMERS would benefit from the sense of belonging the open plan principles provided without losing the necessary spaces for privacy, while increasing density. The overall result is a vibrant and inviting space where a large staff could work and gather together in a seamless and effective way. “figure3 played a very important role. The process we had was collaborative, interactive. They were thoughtful in how they approached us as a client and in what we were trying to achieve at OMERS.” - Michael Latimer, President and CEO, OMERS