Sodexo Montreal

Sodexo Montreal, 2020, Montreal, QC

TypeWork and culture

LocationMontreal, QC

Year2020

TeamAtelier L'Abri, Vives St-Laurent

ConstructionModulor

PhotoRaphaël Thibodeau

L’Abri and Vives St-Laurent present their vision for the workspace of the future with the completion of the new Sodexo Montreal office. Based on common values, both promoted by designers and clients, the project puts forward the concept of Quality of Life Spaces. This design concept is based on wellness, flexibility, innovation, and the importance of the human and social character of our workplaces. It emphasizes a dynamic organization of spaces and working environments, a minimalist and warm design, as well as special attention to the comfort and health of users. Entirely realized in 2020, the concept is proving particularly resilient to face the challenges revealed by the pandemic.

The project occupies a large space within the Dompark complex, an industrial building built in 1908 directly on the edge of the Lachine Canal in Montreal. The proposed layout highlights the intrinsic qualities of the century-old construction. The open plan takes advantage of the high ceilings and large openings. The offices are set up on the window side, while all meeting rooms still benefit from the generous supply of natural light. The surface treatment reveals the original brick walls, mill floor, and wood structure.

The new Sodexo Montreal office and its unique concept of Quality of Life Spaces show by example the benefits of a design combining quality, aesthetics, and sensitivity for the principles of user health and wellness. This concept based on flexibility and generosity of space has proven to be particularly resilient in the face of the unexpected challenges brought by the pandemic. As such, the project represents for its designers an excellent case study for the workspace of the future. A future more human, healthy, efficient, and sustainable, which reintroduces into our corporate spaces the importance of social character combined with the comfort and simplicity of the home.