The richness of Montreal’s modern architectural legacy inspired the renovation of the Business Development Bank of Canada HQ
The remodelling of the corporate head office of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) at Place Ville Marie by Atelier TAG and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes underline the great potential and richness of Montreal’s modern architectural heritage. From a sustainability perspective, the project aims to innovate in its response to changes in work patterns linked to new technologies, and with an eye to growing preoccupation for the well-being of workers. Located in the iconic tower of I.M. Pei since 1994, BDC wanted to regroup the 1 000 employees of its head office, dispersed across adjacent buildings, under one roof. The BDC now occupies more than 16000sqm. The proposed architectural concept for the workspace presents an innovative socio-spatial model in response to the emerging needs of a new generation of knowledge workers. The first stage of the project confirmed the potential of the redevelopment of several floors of the 1968, tower and consolidated BDC’s desire to respond responsively to the growing urban ecological challenges of the 21st century.
A legacy of the modern period, office towers are typically composed of a series of horizontal spaces with little inter-floor connection. The deployment of the BDC on seven levels is an opportunity to propose an alternative system that defines spacious, bright, and vertically interconnected collaborative workspaces. By introducing double-height spaces and internal stair connections, employees are reunited through a vertical axis that becomes the daily mode of travel, connects different departments, and supports various social activities. Orchestrated as a socio-spatial device, the new architectural staircase becomes the geographic, social, and symbolic heart of the BDC. As a place of gathering and chance encounters, the staircase unfolds from floor to floor and anchors programmatic elements specific to each department. It changes the sociability of departments according to their location in the tower, moving from a more public program on the ground floor to spaces suitable for concentrated work on the 6th floor.
The architectural concept embodies the commercial competitiveness of BDC, for which the well-being of its employees is the real engine of its productivity and growth. The definition of a socio-spatial structure based on different degrees of interpersonal interactivity allows everyone to navigate between fortuitous exchanges and formal meetings by department, group, or individual work. The project focuses on spatial transparency, immersion in a cityscape rich in natural (St. Lawrence River and Mount Royal) and urban landmarks, and the use of symbolically significant Canadian materials such as maple and aluminum to ensure both the durability and the perennity of the design.
Structured in five phases of construction, this complex project was carried out in a dense urban context while remaining in function. It represents an exemplary collaboration between the tenant, to whom the project is addressed, the owner, responsible for the integrity of its facilities, and the team of architects. The latter proposed a reversible project, respectful of modern heritage and reflecting the values of BDC, for which LEED Gold certification was obtained.
Photo credit: P. Karwowski
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Lootah Real Estate Development partners with JPA Design on the Atmosphere Residence project in JVC Dubai
Lootah Real Estate Development (LRED) has partnered with JPA Design. The partnership will kick off with Atmosphere Residence by Lootah, a luxurious designed development offering an impressive collection 114 apartments ranging from studios, 1-and 2-bedroom apartments located at JVC, Dubai. Pristine location, smart home technology and architectural grade, intelligent design by JPA Design aims to offer a holistic living lifestyle approach.
JPA Design’s unique offering of expertly combined interior & product design services has ensured the successful delivery of many luxurious projects globally across the residential, hospitality, and transport sectors. From the multi-award-winning Singapore Airlines First & Business Class Cabins, the entire fleet of Orient Express Trains and multiple luxury residences and hospitality projects, their compelling knowledge of personal space and user experience sets JPA Design apart from its competitors.
This partnership will bring immediate value to the investors and occupants of this development with its contemporary style stunning interiors, luxurious fittings and technology-infused elements that specifically address building security, sustainability, energy efficiency and occupant experience.
Raja Alameddine, CEO of Lootah Real Estate Development, commented: “We are in the process of enhancing our local presence and elevating our brand. Designing projects that appeal to the desires of our target market i.e., the millennials and Gen Z is our utmost priority.”
“We listen to the needs of the market, our clients and our potential customers and hence we innovate by utilizing our collective expertise and range of partnerships.Lootah Real Estate Development are the experts in the development of projects and JPA Design’s portfolio contains an extraordinary collection of premium projects located around the world. We are extremely pleased to team up with the world’s best design firms to enhance our offerings and deliver a product that satisfies a need in the market and brings fantastic value to our customers,” added Alameddine.
Lee Worthington, managing director MENA, JPA Design, commented: “We are continuously exploring new technologies, material advancements, production techniques and future design possibilities so as to translate Lootah Real Estate Developments offering into compelling new customer experiences.”
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SSH is appointed as the Design and Supervision Consultant for Byout Hessah Development in Kuwait
SSH is excited to announce its involvement as Design and Supervision Consultant for the newly-launched Byout Hessah development, Package 2, of United Real Estate Company’s Hessah AlMubarak District in Kuwait.
Nestled within Hessah AlMubarak District’s modern, all-inclusive mixed-use neighbourhood, Byout Hessah offers a luxurious contemporary living community with a unique mix of townhouses and apartments with stunning views stretching from the Arabian Gulf to the heart of Kuwait City.
Byout stands out as a bold enclave inspired by Kuwait’s vision of future living, embracing high-end modern architecture harmonised by exclusivity and privacy. With a BUA of 47,000sqm, the development comprises 40 luxury townhouses and two 12-floor residential buildings with 104 upscale apartments, featuring spacious open plan designs, welcoming natural sunlight. Set amidst landscaped surroundings and conveniently located next to Hessah AlMubarak District’s retail and dining hub and other commercial components, residents will enjoy a live-work-play lifestyle.
As the first ever comprehensive, mixed-use district in Kuwait, Hessah AlMubarak District showcases residential buildings, serviced apartments, offices, clinics, health clubs, commercial activities, retail as well as food and beverage offerings. Once complete, the total leasable BUA of the development will be 381,000sqm.
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Select Group launches latest development in Business Bay
Select Group has announced the commencement of work on their 15th and latest project, 15 Northside in Business Bay. Having successfully handed over their most recent project, Jumeriah Living Marina Gate in July 2020, 15 Northside will be Select Group’s first foray into Business Bay and Dubai’s Downtown district.
The award-winning developer has become synonymous with luxurious, waterfront residences since its inception in 2002, and work on this latest property, perched on the waterways of Dubai Canal, has already begun in earnest this month.
Rahail Aslam, Chief Executive Officer, Select Group, said: “Having built a strong reputation for delivering premium residences, at a fantastic price point within Dubai Marina over many years, we are very excited by the prospect of bringing this same standard of quality to another area in Dubai.”
15 Northside, thanks to a unique and contemporary design, will offer a spectacular range of differing views from various vantage points across its 21 floors. These will include Dubai Canal, Dubai Creek, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and even sights of Ain Dubai.
“Business Bay is an excellent location for us to expand into, we have recently delivered one of the most talked-about developments in the city with Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, and are looking forward to bringing the Select Group standard of premium finishes and unmatched waterfront living Downtown” added Aslam.
The project will consist of two towers and contain 349 residential units in total, made of up of studios, one, two, and a select number of three-bedroom apartments. It will also provide a dual-level gym, a spacious deck floor with an infinity pool overlooking the Downtown Skyline and a relaxing roof terrace for all residents. The construction is almost 50% complete at present and is set to be completed by Q3, 2022.
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Ellington Properties commences handover of DT1, its first development in Downtown Dubai
Ellington Properties has commenced the handover of its fifth residential development, the award-winning DT1 residences in Downtown Dubai in January 2021. This marks a significant milestone and highlights the developer’s commitment to delivery despite the pandemic.
Rising to a majestic 76m, DT1 is set in an area of about 20,000sqm. This luxurious collection of residences has been designed to offer a truly distinct setting inside out. Just walking distance from the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and The Dubai Mall, DT1 brings residents and investors a unique value proposition in one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai.
DT1 has large three- and four-bedroom penthouses in the topmost floors as well as studios, one-, two- and three-bedrooms. Each home is thoughtfully designed with the living room and kitchen having laminated and lacquer details while the kitchen offers integrated Miele appliances, an under-mount kitchen sink and a dramatic mixer in addition to creative joinery details. Other amenities include a modern fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and leisure and lap pools, in addition to a games room. It also features a reading patio, and outdoor club lounges for residents and visitors seeking to wind down in the evenings.
Elie Naaman, Chief Executive Officer – International, Ellington Properties, said: “As a homegrown Dubai-based developer with a focus on design, we are committed to creating exceptional lifestyle environments, further reflected in DT1. Our first development in Downtown Dubai, DT1 residences offer superb value for investors, led by its central location, elegant architecture and world-class design. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we continued work on the project following all safety protocols and ensuring high quality standards in terms of design and finishes.”
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