La Canopé des Halles

Technical Conceptualization

Arcora leverages its experience and knowledge to address the most ambitious architectural projects with a precise and rigorous approach to design and conceptualization.

As a preliminary tool for assimilating project data and projecting ideas, drawing plays an essential role in a practice that seeks to connect architecture to its constructive dimension, its details, and its materiality, at both small and large scales.

The agile and complementary use of drawing and digital tools supports an iterative and performance-driven work approach with architects, project managers, and clients.

A mindset geared towards innovation, where experience and knowledge are constantly questioned and updated—particularly through the research and development laboratory—positions Arcora as a cutting-edge engineering firm, deeply committed to environmental issues.

Geometry

Arcora approaches the subject of geometry with the aim of realizing, rationalizing, and optimizing projects for the construction phase.

At the scale of the element to be arranged, the design aims to form a coherent whole that ultimately constitutes the perceptible materiality of the built structure.

At the global scale of the structure, envelope, or facade, Arcora relies on:

• A perfect understanding of production and construction methods, as well as interfaces with other trades.
• The use of digital tools enabling the implementation of parametric and algorithmic models.
• Physical and digital mock-ups and prototyping.

Envelope Physics

Through its mastery of the physical parameters governing the building envelope, Arcora guarantees material-efficient, energy-effective, and high-comfort solutions.

Its expertise is based on the development of internal tools for modeling, calculating, and evaluating the performance of materials and systems:

• Thermal and spectrophotometric performance
• Sunlight and geometric optimization
• Luminous comfort and glare control
• Hygrothermal behavior of walls and cavities
• Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic challenges
• Water flow
• Environmental impact, labels, and certifications
• Acoustic characterization

Low Carbon, Resources, and Materials

Orienting towards sustainable technical solutions with limited carbon impact and energy efficiency is one of Arcora’s commitments.

This relies on a critical manipulation of life cycle analysis tools, carbon assessments, and energy consumption evaluations.

The appropriate use of wood as a material is part of this commitment, justified by the execution of several reference projects and investment in working groups that are shaping the evolution of regulations for timber facades, envelopes, and structures.

Maintenance and Upkeep

The technical complexity and geometry of envelope structures require adapting—or even reinventing—maintenance and upkeep solutions. As fundamental design parameters, they directly guide architectural choices through the provision of access solutions and the specification of preferred materials and construction arrangements.

The maintenance strategy concerns both surface cleaning and the potential replacement of glazing or degraded components, ensuring accessibility to the entire envelope through adapted systems and machinery.

Arcora draws on its knowledge of proven industrial solutions to design custom maintenance systems (rooftop machines, access platforms, robots, etc.), ensuring operator safety and contributing to controlled overall costs and long-lasting structures

Diagnosis, Rehabilitation, Reuse

Qualification of existing components, systems, and structures relies on a global understanding of the project’s architectural and contextual challenges, and precise knowledge of implementation techniques and methods.

Arcora derives strong expertise from this in resource diagnostic missions and the evaluation of the physical and structural performance of existing buildings.

This forms the foundation of recognized competence in leading complex rehabilitation projects.

Arcora also supports project owners and managers in resource reuse initiatives.

BIM

Arcora naturally interacts within a BIM project environment, mastering all stages of modeling and data entry for the shared digital model.

This approach complements software and other drawing and calculation tools, based on their reciprocal relevance in project development.

Arcora supports project management and project owner teamsin defining the most suitable BIM missions for the specificities of facade and structure works.

Prototyping

Arcora has developed a methodology for digital representation and prototyping to support technical conceptualization.

Mastery of all modeling and manufacturing tools allows for proposing the most suitable solution at scale and for the visualization challenges of the client and architect: digital mock-ups, physical mock-ups and 3D printing, realistic rendering of materials and implementations, execution prototypes.

Support for Technical Innovation

In the development of innovative technical solutions, Arcora acts as a guarantor of reliability, durability, and respect for the project owner interests.

When project challenges require the implementation of non-traditional solutions, the teams engage in planning, framing, and monitoring technical justifications. This expertise is particularly materialized in the French context of ATEx procedures.

Our team commitment is based on a perfect knowledge of the normative framework and a fine understanding of the “spirit” of the standard, to translate it and propose the most adequate design.

This is reflected by our regular participation in expert groups and standards committees.