A bold, yet simple, interior leaves maximum space for creativity at a new Montreal office for M.A.D. Collectif.
Key features
The opening of the M.A.D. Collectif Creative Hub is part of a wider rebrand by the Canadian company, 2022 seeing a shift in its approach to the business of fashion, art and design-related events. The objective of the new location was to focus on creativity and collaboration, offering a place for work, content creation, events and pop-up stores, for use by both employees and external partners.
Ivy Studio rejuvenated a former print shop, built in 1939. The long 334-sq-m space was divided to host public activities at the window-lined front of the space, and more private functions towards the back. A striking 6.1-m-long marble counter is the focal point of the entrance area, surrounded by a banquette and varied seating areas suited for dining or informal work. Natural light also enters a central block that acts as studio for photo shoots and content production. More secluded workstations and closed office spaces are situated towards the back, where the least natural light enters the building.
In contrast to the existing walls, plumbing fixtures and ventilation equipment that are all painted white, bold colours are introduced by a vibrant range of finishes and furniture, including the metallic purple of the entranceway sofa, orange poofs, and forest green stools. Lighting by Contact Delage is similar to that found in art galleries or exhibition spaces, adding to the dynamic and flexible vibe.
FRAME's take
M.A.D Collective is the next in a long line of business seeking to offer their employees and partners a new-look office space that caters for shifting and varied needs in the workplace. Ivy Studio employs the popular methods of a statement colour palette, exposed components, and varied furnishings to accommodate this brief. As a company that underwent a rebrand in 2022 (including a name change from Groupe Sensation Mode), M.A.D Collective has fully embraced the agile workplace and its increasingly recognizable aesthetic. The once unusual mixture of raw structural elements with luxurious furniture and finishes is becoming increasingly commonplace in workplace design.