Montreal-based architecture firm Lemay has completed work on the investment and development hub Espace CDPQ focused on accelerating globalization in Quebec. The unique office space spans four floors at the core of Montreal’s business district.
To promote creativity and collaboration, the urban design is outfitted with a central thoroughfare that provides an open ecosystem over two levels reminiscent of balconies, staircases, or a backyard.
“The classic Montreal laneway emerged as the most appropriate identifying element to anchor this performance-driven ecosystem,” says Lemay associate and design director for the project Jean-François Gagnon. “We let ourselves be inspired by the narrative of Quebec history, its communities and builders, for this design of a place devoted to exchange and communication.”
Conceived for quiet work and concentration, sunny rental spaces line this axis across two floors connected via a helicoidal staircase. Vertical wood paneling links both levels with a central placement chosen to evoke tree imagery. The white canopy features a lustrous finish that diffuses natural light. Materials and colors that adorn the floor and walls are configured to contextualize the interior’s white palette with splashes of color. Furniture is also positioned to accommodate the individual needs of each space. At the heart of the project is a globalization laboratory, which is crafted as an independent, autonomous multifunctional hub equipped to host video conferencing and presentations.
