New Spaces for Desjardins at the Montréal Tower

Provencher_Roy signed the architectural work of the Montreal Tower and the interior design of the new spaces of Desjardins, one of the largest financial institutions in Quebec.

During the summer of 2018, Desjardins Movement’s online services’ office spaces moved to the Montréal Tower, once know as the Olympic Tower of Montreal. Unoccupied since 1987, the tower has transformed into an office space, following the design work carried out by Provencher_Roy. Desjardins is becoming the first site’s tenant for the next 15 years. Its call and administrative centers occupy seven of the twelve floors of this mythical place, representing 80% of the rental space available. During the work renovations initiated in 2015, long planned by the Olympic Park, Provencher_Roy replaced the existing prefabricated concrete envelope with a curtain wall for more abundant transparency and fenestration, thereby augmenting the presence of natural light within while respecting the original architecture.

A massive bringing up to standards

The Montreal Tower had a major make over to better reflect its new corporate vocation. Designed by the architect Roger Taillibert, the original tower employed prefab concrete panels pierced with vertical strips of windows to provide the zenithal lighting suitable for its initial use. The architecture was originally designed to accommodate sports federations, therefor it had to be readapted to accommodate to many of Desjardins Group teams.

The thousand employees of the financial institution now enjoy those modern workspaces, bathed in natural light. To achieve this result, almost all the Montréal Tower’s mechanical systems had to be renovated to bring them up to code and standards. However, the biggest challenge was undoubtedly the stripping of the tower’s prefabricated concrete panels to make way for the transparency afforded by a glass curtain wall covering 60% of the facade—an essential element in creating a pleasant work environment. In addition to exposing the spectacular structure of the architectural icon, the approach also brings the tower to life and gives it a new energy.

“After its 30 years of concealed existence, we finally unveiled to the whole world the new structure of the Montréal Tower!” says Claude Provencher, senior partner and co-founder of the architectural firm.

Symbolic interior design

In addition to ensuring a work environment that encourages exchanges and creativity, the main purpose of the adopted concept was to symbolize the history of the tower. The remarkable space offered by the seven floors of this Québec architectural symbol is now enhanced by a design adapted to the organic forms of the stadium, being able to offer all employees a stimulating and cooperative work environment. Several historical references to the first vocation of the stadium are found within the different areas. Among them, the ceiling’s poppy-shaped details in the waiting area reminds us of the old orange roof canvas, as seen before when inside.

“It was a privilege to work on such an exceptional site that represents so much in the collective imagination. Our design strategy has been to showcase the spectacular architectural character of the Montreal Tower, still imbued with the Olympic spirit. Interior design encourages collaboration and sharing of knowledge in a healthy environment, as well as drawing a parallel with the values of Desjardins, ” explained Julien-Pierre Laurendeau, an interior designer at Provencher_Roy.

From inside out, the impressive concrete structure was highlighted by the neutral hues of the surfaces. The spacious and bright rooms now have a pale gray floor. The windows are unobstructed to allow the creation of an architectural promenade offering employees a magnificent view of the stadium and the city. Spaces of collaboration and relaxation were also arranged along the imposing glass walls.

The place is articulated as a working tool, with the ultramodern offices incorporating the latest technological equipment in order to attract and meet the needs of employees aged 25 to 35. The lounges, entertainment areas, coffee counters and multifunctional rooms were designed specifically for a young and active clientele. The streamlined and the contemporary styles of its’ interior design creates for Desjardins employees a strong sense of belonging, transforming the development of a “workplace” into a real “living space”.

Desjardins Group’s new premises’ inauguration took place during summer 2018. This unifying revitalized project revived everyone’s pride and sparked a wave of enthusiasm and curiosity among the population. More than a symbolic place that was once dedicated to the Olympic Games, the Montréal Tower is now an indelible mark on the collective imagination.