Accenture’s new headquarters in Montreal, designed by Lemay, stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to reflecting both global brand standards and local culture. Situated on the 15th floor of the Place Ville Marie cruciform tower, this 19,000-square-foot office space brilliantly captures the vibrancy of Montreal’s urban landscape. The design not only supports Accenture’s dynamic workforce but also mirrors its forward-thinking ethos and deep connection to the local community.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Lemay
Location: Montreal, Canada
Client: Accenture
Design Director: Carolyne Thibault
Concept Director: Hani Diab
Building: Place Ville Marie
A highlight of the office is its interactive art installations. Drawing inspiration from notable Montreal art, such as Claude Cormier’s “The Ring,” the space features a custom wall of 1,200 interactive trigonal prisms in Accenture’s signature colors, including the iconic purple hue of the company’s logo. This wall greets visitors with reflections that change with the natural light, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere from the moment one enters. This artistic element not only cements the connection to the locale but also echoes Accenture’s innovative culture.
The interior spaces utilize a minimalist canvas of white walls and custom felt ceilings, allowing furniture in rich tones such as forest green and burnt sienna to pop. This design approach amplifies colors throughout the office, fostering an inviting and energetic environment. The concept of flexibility is evident in the varied workspaces, crafted through a series of discovery sessions with staff members. These spaces accommodate everything from informal meetings and socializing to private focus rooms and booths, ensuring a balance between collaboration and concentration.
One standout feature is the creatively named spa room, a meeting area that defies conventional design. With a cloud motif and soothing blue hues, this room evokes a sense of floating, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling office environment. Its design aims to enhance well-being and provoke imaginative thinking, embodying the office’s playful yet productive spirit.
The attention to nature within the office is further enhanced by lush hanging gardens in communal areas like the café. These green spaces are reminiscent of Montreal’s own Parc du Mont-Royal and provide serene settings for work or meals. Inspired by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead’s work, these gardens bring an element of the outdoors inside, seamlessly blending nature with modern office design. Softly curved corners throughout add a touch of elegance and flow to each area, connecting spaces such as the IT solutions bar, seating lounges, and library shelves.
Overall, Accenture’s Montreal office is a harmonious blend of local homage and brand identity. With whimsical touches throughout, the space reflects both the vibrant city and Accenture’s innovative spirit. Elements of surprise and thoughtfully curated details champion creativity and connectivity, making the headquarters a dynamic and inspiring workplace.
