Fresh Work //The Latest and Greatest in Workplace Projects

As we jump back into work post-holidays, we present a few excellent projects that came across our desk while we were away.

The first – a new coworking space in Montréal dedicated to startups in finance tech. The second – a transformation of a dated car dealership in the Cleveland suburbs into a charming head office for a thermal solutions company. Lastly, a project out of the Pacific Northwest for OEG, one of the largest electrical contracting companies, who wanted a thoughtful balance of open plan and enclosed space.

Montreal FinTech Station, Montréal, Canada. Designed by VAD. Photography: Phil Bernard

Montreal FinTech Station, Montréal, Canada. Designed by VAD

“Through a competition of ideas process, orchestrated by Finance Montreal and Ivanhoe Cambridge, the design of the new FinTech Station at Place Ville Marie was entrusted to the firm VAD Designers d’espaces. The design concept translates into a modern and high-tech space where collaboration between individuals is facilitated, and human connections are fostered.”

“Inaugurated in December, the FinTech Station is already experiencing significant enthusiasm. Nearly 20 start-up companies have settled-in and spread out across the Station’s two stories, which total up to approximatively 25,000 square feet.”

“At the Montreal FinTech Station, a total of 144 workstations are available, all of which benefit from a variety of amenities on premises. A shared reception service greets visitors walking in, and offers administrative assistance. Start-ups have the option of renting individual workstations located in a shared open space, as well as closed offices for companies with 4 to 10 staff members who desire more privacy. The tenants benefit from the many services offered at the Station. Among these are professional and technological services, training and coaching, networking activities, events and support in business growth. A variety of meeting rooms and communal areas are also available, as well as a large cafeteria, which doubles as an event venue, lounges and a second auxiliary kitchen which serves free specialty coffee.”

“VAD imagined an immersive, stimulating, and comfortable environment, where different but complementary forces are brought together to work in collaboration and build upon new connections. The original lead for the idea competition was to draw upon the contrast between virtuality and reality which are integral to the core concept of the FinTech Station. In a context where technology occupies a preponderant role in our work environments, the design proposed for the FinTech Station aimed at transcending the trend towards hyperconnectivity.”

“By incorporating natural and eclectic textures, as well as noble materials and finishes, the workspace achieves a warmer feel. The design links to nature through volumes and ambiances. Custom-built modules, such as integrated woodwork add relief and mimic natural plateaus and elevations found in terrain. Vast open spaces flooded with daylight and greenery promote wellness and help the spirit of community to come to life naturally.”

“Entering into the FinTech Station, visitors are greeted into a bright and swarming hub of activity. The vast open-plan acts as both a reception and a flexible social space, conducive to spontaneous team-work, holding meetings, larger assemblies or some of FinTech Station’s networking events.”

“The master staircase joining the two levels was one of the starting points for the design concept. A metallic structure mirrors the descending stairs, giving the illusion of an ascension towards a green upper landing – a symbol of growth. Around the raised podium, the space unfolds to a bouncy rhythm of yellow and earth tones. The furniture is airy and comfortable, reinforcing the desire to create a living environment conducive to atypical hours: an atmosphere inspired by the ‘resimercial’ current.”

“At the Montreal FinTech Station, the wellbeing of the occupants is a central preoccupation. The design was developed with the principles of the WELL certification in mind. The concern for biophilia, local procurement of materials and furnishings as well as of local trade, attention to ergonomics, the promotion of physical activity and access to natural light are among the strategies deployed to meet the well-being objectives of the project.”

“From the start, the Montreal FinTech Station announced its intention to acquire an art collection to be integrated into the space. The art agency MASSIVart joined the project, proposing interactive, digital, photographic and sculptural artworks all by emerging Quebec and Canadian artists.”

“The design and construction of the FinTech Station were successfully completed within the predicted schedule and the announced budget. With the support of Ivanhoé Cambridge, the construction contractor P + R Desjardins, and the collaboration of all the project stakeholders, the Montreal FinTech Station materialized in just 14 weeks, despite the complexity of the access to the work site in the context of major simultaneous projects surrounding the building.”

“In the heart of the business district, at Place Ville-Marie, the new FinTech Station becomes an important ally for Montreal’s finance industry. Accessible and intuitive, the workspace is designed as second nature for the user, offering a clever combination of work areas, spaces for leisure and gatherings, perfectly suited to build new connections. Lounges, phone booths, shelters, meeting rooms or collaborative lounges: users can choose to work in the context that suits them best.”

The design proposed by VAD embodies a strong identity and a distinctive architecture, making the Montreal FinTech Station a landmark of the FinTech ecosystem.

Process Technology. Willoughby, Ohio. Designed by Vocon

“Process Technology’s new 23,500 square foot headquarters is located in Willoughby, Ohio and accommodates the thermal solution company’s need for a modern space and the founder’s commitment to incorporate operational transparency.”

“The project transformed a property that was originally an auto dealership facility. The site was outdated and lacked a cohesive design. The majority of the lot was covered by concrete. Led by Jodi van der Wiel, Design Director and Michael Christoff, Director, Vocon’s architects removed 80% of the site’s concrete, the building’s extraneous masses, glazing and non-structurally-sound components. While reusing the existing structure, the landscaping team restored and seeded the lot, as well as planted deciduous trees throughout the property.”

“The Vocon team then wrapped the entire building in a metal paneling to create a uniform exterior. The design team balanced curb appeal with budget and kept the existing punched openings in place but used scrim inserts to give the exterior visual balance. The exterior also features mesh, which allows for the building to feel lighter and sleeker. Vocon’s design team chose to “slice the structure” to emphasize the front facade and diffuse daylight throughout the space.”

“The property is made up of two separate blocks, with one serving as the office’s cultural hub, and the rear space used for research and development. The two areas are connected by a bridge that forms the entryway and the socialization zone. The property also offers a cafe space for employees, an outdoor courtyard, a fitness suite, and a variety of workspace options.” “The main office space demonstrates Process Technology’s commitment to transparency. They housed the cleanroom directly behind the concierge area, allowing all employees and all company visitors a clear look into the testing, research and development process. The executive offices are also located in the heart of the office’s cultural hub, demonstrating the company’s openness and availability to employees.”

Process Technology. Willoughby, Ohio. Designed by Vocon. Photography: Matthew Carbone

“Process Technology wanted its new space to reflect a dedication to wellness and worked to go beyond just offering a fitness space. The Vocon team incorporated natural light and a feeling of openness throughout the office space which creates a variety of workspace options that allows employees to have both privacy and a sense of community. The new headquarters incorporates a quiet zone and is also dog-friendly.”

“The project’s design palette is progressive and modern, reflecting the company’s ethos in both the architecture and interior design. The core socialization zone incorporates unique overhead lighting to make the space feel bright and original. The lighting can be color-programmed. The modern and minimalist concierge desk sets the tone of the rest of the office, and the orange accent color throughout the space was born out of Process Technology’s recent graphic identity update.”

 

 

 

OEG, Washington. Designed by SUM Design Studio + architecture

“OEG, founded in 1947, is one of the largest electrical contracting companies in the Northwest, specializing in mission critical, health care, commercial, high tech, industrial and institutional markets.”

Incorporating new materials while exposing the existing industrial space provides a light-filled reception area that evokes the client’s brand and the building’s previous use. Photo: Josh Partee

“As they continue to grow, more office space was required forcing the decision to move to a larger building. Their new space, a standalone, 32,000 square foot building, was slightly larger than their existing space, requiring thoughtful design to house more employees.”

Designing places to gather and collaborate was an important element to the success of the project. Photo: Josh Partee

“SUM Design Studio + architecture designed a modern open office that still retained some of the privacy of the traditional private office layout while providing workstations with direct views of windows, views of Portland’s West Hills, and access to sunlight. SUM also designed the new space so that every separate department had a collaborative space in the open office areas, including multiple conference rooms of varying sizes needed on each floor.”

Incorporating natural light, biophilic elements, and ceiling lighting provide engaging and lighter spaces for clients and visitors. Photo: Josh Partee

“Aesthetically, the client wanted an industrial space, but wasn’t willing to sacrifice office comforts and acoustics. SUM exposed the existing industrial building as much as possible while providing acoustical solutions while respecting the needs of a multi-disciplinary office.” The project was completed in primarily birch, concrete, glass, and steel, with the use of felt acoustical treatments and solid surface casework.”