MONTREAL — Sid Lee Architecture carefully analyzed pre- and post-pandemic needs to reimagine the individual and collaborative spaces required for the 13,000-square-foot office of Allied Partners, owner-operator of urban workspaces in Canada’s major cities. The result is an innovative user-centric workspace model that strikes a harmonious balance between performance, efficiency, and well-being.

To create excitement and promote a return to in-person work, the company's new workspaces have been designed to instill a sense of pride and belonging. In contrast to traditional, dense, and fragmented offices, these spaces are inspired by the hospitality industry and propose a well-balanced variety that offers employees optimal comfort.

The entrance of the new Allied Properties office offers a space that can be rented by all Allied tenants. This series of reconfigurable meeting rooms can be arranged for large events such as town halls, medium size training sessions, or more quaint board meetings. To make this space as inviting as possible, the traditional reception desk has been replaced by a lobby space where welcoming seating arrangements are flanked by barista-grade coffee stocked by local roasters.

Within the offices, each meeting room is designed with a unique theme inspired by Allied's Montreal properties, in conjunction with a variety of seating arrangements. Bespoke furniture was either created – such as a conference table in the shape of the newly refurbished 1001 Robert-Bourassa property – or existing artifacts were integrated, such as an imposing metal door from the former Nordelec factory.

"Inspired by the values of Allied Properties and Montreal's architectural heritage, we have created a space that embodies a strong sense of belonging and pride," said Martin Leblanc, architect and principalpPartner at Sid Lee Architecture. “Every detail, from the repurposed artifacts to the local artwork, has been carefully integrated to reflect the unique identity of the client and it’s community.”

Evenly distributed throughout the space, the workstations manufactured by Mobël were custom-designed for the client in order to optimize collaboration without sacrificing personal comfort. Halfway between a cubicle and a hot-desk, these new workstations offer a greater degree of privacy thanks to their half partitions and the integration of felt coverings for optimum acoustics and sound isolation. Ergonomic concerns are addressed by including height-adjustable worksurfaces to all employees. To promote collaboration, these work surfaces can be collectively raised to their bar height setting to create a large, joint work island. In addition, each workstation is coupled with a work bar and storage that provides spaces for informal meetings and work sessions with colleagues. True to Allied Properties’ values, the bespoke furniture combines aesthetics and versatility with sustainability through responsibly sourced birch wood.

Guided by the principles of biophilic design, the overall space offers a connection to nature, whether visual or analog. A range of noble and raw materials, such as steel and concrete, contrast in texture and warmth with woodwork, upholstery, and terracotta objects. The cafeteria was strategically positioned in front of the west-facing windows to maximize natural light and provide a view of the treetops of Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle. Allied Properties' green signature hue was subtly integrated into the details of the furniture and curtains, in turn accentuating the convivial character of the space. Vegetation is omnipresent and integrated at all scales to balance well-being, comfort, and productivity. The vistas offered by the open-plan layout bring a sense of connectivity, while custom-designed hanging planters break up the floor plate into more intimate spaces. Lastly, alcoves provide opportunities for refuge.