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AT Office

Montréal, Canada

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located in Montréal, Canada
completed in 2016

The project involves the fit-out of an office space designed to accommodate fifty employees of a transportation company. The architectural concept is driven by two main factors: the internal operations of the company and the short construction timeline. Despite these constraints, the development meets several essential criteria—including functionality, occupant comfort, and environmental responsibility—while also reflecting the company’s core values.
Functionally, the layout follows a concentric scheme that facilitates circulation and optimizes space. Closed offices are positioned around the perimeter, while the central area features an open-plan workspace bathed in natural light from generous windows. Beyond standard work areas, the design includes zones for relaxation and informal gatherings, encouraging employees to collaborate and unwind outside traditional settings—whether at a table in the dining area, in armchairs watching TV, or at counters separating communal spaces from the main office zone. The material palette is intentionally simple, combining wood (in the form of plywood and OSB) with glass. This minimalist approach aligns with the company’s philosophy of openness, simplicity, and transparency, while also contributing to a warm, relaxed, and cheerful work environment. The OSB’s rough texture and sliding doors subtly reference the “cargo” theme, echoing the nature of the business.
Despite the raw materials, other design elements make it clear that this is a professional space. Background lighting can shift colors to suit occupants’ moods, and white office furniture contrasts effectively with the brown-toned surfaces. Offices are named after North American cities frequently served by the carrier, while CNC-cut plywood counters and the reception desk incorporate traditional Romanian patterns, adding a cultural layer to the design.
Sustainability was a key consideration. The entire fit-out is fully demountable, allowing for easy reconfiguration or removal. Upon the company’s departure, most components can be reused.