Sid Lee Architecture revitalized a former corporate headquarters as its new biophilic office in downtown Montreal.

Key features

As part of a greater effort to revitalize Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal, Canada, Sid Lee Architecture transformed the former halls of the Royal Bank of Canada for Sid Lee’s international headquarters. Called the Biosquare, the renovation is premised on the incorporation of biophilic elements, like plants and natural light, and a grid system. The latter aesthetically defines the space and organizes it, making it possible to combine open work zones with other siloed offices and meeting rooms. Plants, following the order of the grid, are suspended from the ceiling at intervals, mimicking the grouping of trees in Place Ville Marie, which is visible from the office.

Windows and skylights were stripped to reveal their structure and enlarged, they connect the building with its urban surroundings. The main entrance to the office provides an uninterrupted view to the public square and hosts a café, kitchen and washroom. Stone monoliths form the space, giving the appearance of a city emerging from the ground. A first mezzanine leads to the working and creative spaces; it's fitted with a connective bridge to encourage serendipitous interaction.

Frame’s take

 ‘Biophilia – which is reported to reduce anxiety and stress; increase cognitive function, concentration and memory; and enhance feelings of positivity, wellbeing and motivation – has become a more prominent aspect as businesses recall their employees to the office,' Adrian Wong, cofounder of London-based biophilic design studio Aterre, said in Frame 147. ‘They’re contemplating how to create environments where employees feel safe, calm and productive.’ This key development in the design of workplaces has become somewhat of a trend, meaning that its application is not always genuine. The addition of a few plants here and there doesn’t tap into the true potential benefit it provides for a healthy and productive work environment. Designing the space to facilitate social interaction, for example, in addition to the qualities biophilia offers, is one way to holistically integrate the design philosophy into a workspace, something that the Biosquare office achieves well.