A catalyst of urban renewal, entrepreneurial activity, and centrality
Located at a southern gateway to the downtown core of Montreal, these proposed headquarters for Banque Nationale blend inspired and sustainable spaces with engrained creativity, entrepreneurial collaboration, and a refined corporate identity. The concept places the user at the heart of the space, expanding its scope as a workplace to include interactive public space, welcoming landscapes, and more.
At street-level, Banque National’s bank of original artworks is displayed in a linear hall and amphitheatre along the boulevard, topped with an agora for performances under the glow of a towering media wall. Imbuing outdoor and indoor space with public activity, this aspect of community extends up to the rooftop’s landscaped terrasse for dining, socializing, and further appreciation of art.
Setting a benchmark in sustainability, the tower and its surrounding landscaped gardens were designed to go beyond LEED Platinum requirements with net-zero impacts via NET POSITIVE™ strategies. As its forested façades and green rooftop collect sunlight and rainwater, an underground geothermal system reduces energy consumption needs. Midway through its naturally lit, passively heated and radiantly air-conditioned spaces, a plant wall scaling several of its storeys internally, a lush extension of Mount Royal on the horizon. As all workstations are oriented to have outside views to sprawling vistas and natural light, sky lounge-style meeting areas are dispersed throughout, mediated by transition areas that encourage active movement and green vegetated oases that—like lungs of the building—purify the air.
With careful design gestures calibrated towards expanding what a workplace can be through living and livelihood, these headquarters proposed by our team seek to enrich the user experience. A vertical hub for exchanging ideas and attracting and retaining top-tier talent with well-being on every floor, it is a holistic approach to what it means to be part of a city.
