Design Feature Moment Factory by MU Architecture. Photos by Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard. 54 <strong>Building</strong> & <strong>Investment</strong> | www.b-i.biz
Design Feature Multimedia studio’s new office given a playful makeover Montreal-based MU Architecture boldly takes on the challenge of transforming space within an old bricked factory into a vibrant office for an unconventional creative studio. MILE-EX is a former industrial area in Montreal known for its originality and as a UNESCO City of Design. Moment Factory, a multimedia studio, has chosen to set up their new office inside an old bricked factory there. When MU Architecture designs was given the brief, the challenge was to develop a large work-and-live area for 250 people on two floors with a space of 45,000 sq ft. Moment Factory, being a vibrant and innovative company, wants its physical work spaces to be flexible in structure. The many departments within the company need to be in linked with each other within a bright airy space, and that space must be expandable to accommodate the company’s growth. The spatial organisation took the form of vast open and up-gradable spaces, linked and punctuated with numerous meeting rooms. The layout creates an organic and fluid circulation. Strategically placed, interstitial spaces encourage the development of ideas and creative concepts, while allowing employees to take time to relax and chat. At Moment Factory’s request, the main access had to be discreet, unconventional and underground. So a minimalist black steel staircase simply hooks onto the old building to give access. At the entrance area, the traditional receptionist desk gives way to a vibrant large cafeteria. The conservative corporate style of most offices disappears in favour of a more creative, youthful and irreverent workplace. The cafeteria sets the tone with its mismatched chairs, plants, outdoor terrace, its contemporary artworks, where dogs and skateboards circulate freely. The open concept of the kitchen, large enough to accommodate a hundred people, takes the appearance of an over-sized residential kitchen and extends into a semi-closed commercial one. The main entrance cafeteria leads to a multi-purpose studio-sized lobby: for meetings, technical tests, slide shows and presentations, and so on. The concrete floors, gypsum partitions, recovered lamps, chairs and furniture blend together in this eclectic and fun space. On the top floor, the full extent of the office floor size is revealed. A multitude of employees, models, sketches and open offices fill the colourful and vibrant area. Here, everything can be moved, re-organised and reconnected. Since its inception in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 350 shows around the world for big-name clients such as Cirque du Soleil, Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Disney, Microsoft, Sony and the Los Angeles International Airport. • More information at architecture-mu.com <strong>Building</strong> & <strong>Investment</strong> | www.b-i.biz 55