Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Office / Office: Small & Medium (≤ 1,860 m² / ≤ 20,000 sq ft) : Gold certification

The Cree Nation Embassy in Montreal was designed in close collaboration with community members to provide a workspace deeply rooted in their culture. The project reflects their identity and values through the integration of objects and achievements by First Nations artists.

Located in Old Montreal, the offices are housed in a heritage building that bears witness to early 20th-century industrial architecture. The intervention highlights this rich context by preserving the existing structure, retaining remnants of old walls and openings, and maintaining the site's industrial framework.

Inspired by nature and indigenous knowledge, the concept is expressed through organic forms noticeable upon entry. A helical staircase notably emphasizes the double height of the reception hall and complements the arrival experience. Designed to accommodate around sixty employees, the spaces reflect particular attention to materiality through contrasting wood species, limestone-type ceramics, wood wool acoustic ceilings, and a palette of plant tones.

An in-depth effort, based on listening and recognition, led to the development of an arts and signage integration program. Fueled by regular exchanges with the community's communications team, this process supports the appropriation of the premises by its occupants.

The rooms are named after natural elements, the pictograms are inspired by Cree symbols, murals created by an indigenous photographer punctuate the journey, and artifacts from the client's collection are highlighted. A timeline designed by NEUF retraces the community's history and culture through five thematic segments, all deeply tied to the territory.

Adrien Williams

The project in images