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Départements de l’urbanisme et du génie – Ville de Chambly
By : Espazio
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Office / Office ≤ 5,400 sq.ft. (≤ 500 sq. m.) : Bronze Certification
Categories : Office / Agile work Environment : Silver Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Heritage Preservation
Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design + Collaboration
Contextualization
With the hybrid work avenue and the desire to provide a pleasant work environment for their employees, the City of Chambly wanted to update their work spaces.
The urban planning department was originally the only team occupying this 3th floor of the heritage building at 56 Martel Street, across from the Chambly Basin. Seeing that the workstations were mostly unoccupied and far too large for their ambition to become paperless, the City of Chambly saw the opportunity to optimize the layout and bring the engineering department there as well.
Proposed strategies
A collaborative space, drawing inspiration from the MTAA method (work environment adapted to the activities) was proposed that included concentration and collaboration work areas. Following an analysis of their work organization, each person’s functions and their telecommuting habits, different workspaces were set up to facilitate the execution of each person’s tasks.
Two separate open areas at each department were set up as unassigned benching workstations. Closed offices were provided for the directors of each department for which acoustics were optimized to ensure confidentiality. Two meeting rooms that can be used both as video conference rooms and as private offices that can be reserved have been set up. The integration of state-of-the-art technology is therefore important to ensure the efficiency of these rooms.
A central lounge has been designed to allow employees to come here for a break and socialize as much as for an informal meeting. An additional workstation is even provided there with a magnificent view of the Chambly Basin!
Speaking of views, as the building’s facade is oriented towards the body of water, the impregnable view from the 3rd floor was considered in the design.
Located in this beautiful building carrying the history of Chambly, which was formerly a convent of nuns, the heritage and educational aspect were reflected in the proposed design. The architecture of the building also inspired us to develop the concept. We wanted to bring the history of the building to life. In the past, young girls came here for as much of the education that took place here as the practice of religion.
Several design elements reflect this.
Among other things, the proposed graphics in the glass sections recall both aspects. The original wood flooring, no longer in good condition to be retained, was carried over into the design. The existing wood panelling on the wall was also taken up and highlighted. A large wall delimiting the old section of the extension was covered with bricks to recall the old boundary of the convent. New inlaid wooden doors recall the doors of former convents. A decorative openwork partition of natural leather slats also references that era when the textile industry was prominent.
Finally, being on the top floor, smaller windows than on other floors had to be considered. The diffusion of natural light had to be well thought out and the choice of materials and colors were studied to reflect the light well.
Despite the small windows, the fact that they are mostly skylights and that the ceiling is sloped, this architecture brings a beautiful cachet to the space.
Result
Following the work, the employees are very happy to have the chance to work in this stimulating as well as high-performing workspace. The client even confirms that the two teams have integrated well together in this same space and all are motivated to come to the office. They now want to renovate all the other floors!
Area: 2895 square feet
