Chevalier Morales Opening of the New Fondaction Offices - Montréal

A Prime Example of Smart Building in Quebec

Earlier this year, Fondaction unveiled its new headquarters in the Ville-Marie district of Montreal. The project is a prime example of smart building design in Quebec, featuring an adaptable concept that allows the space to evolve and redefine its functions in line with the changing practices in modern working environments.

A responsible automated system

Mindful of its environmental impact, the project integrates strategies that ensure reduced maintenance and operational costs, extending the building’s lifespan. The carbon-neutral building reaches the highest sustainability standards due to its automated system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining a homeostatic environment within its spaces. The integrated management system includes automated load-shedding based on continuous energy usage monitoring, CO2 level control in high-traffic areas to ensure air quality, and high-efficiency aerothermal systems for heating and cooling. Additionally, the project's deep commitment to eco-responsibility manifests in the air treatment unit strategy that reaches approximately 90% efficiency, and through the use of materials that were salvaged from a prior selective deconstruction process.

User-centric design

Beyond a simple redesign, Fondaction headquarters' renovation represents a forward-thinking approach to adapting professional life to the evolving dynamics of modern work. The project emphasizes the revitalization of the workspace in response to the growing popularity of hybrid work, accelerated by the pandemic. Workstations are modular and unassigned, offering flexible spaces that can easily adjust to employees' changing schedules and needs.

Aligned with Fondaction’s human values, the new workspace layout puts user experience at the center of its design. Focused on optimizing clients' and employees' comfort, the spaces feature integrated climate control systems, circadian lighting, and abundant natural light.

The design also promotes collaboration and interaction between employees across departments, incorporating meeting rooms, lounges, relaxation zones, and community areas. Spacious, naturally lit corridors are strategically placed to encourage informal encounters between colleagues and energize spirits. Furthermore, the flexible layout includes outdoor work and social spaces on a rooftop terrace.

A firm driving change

Chevalier Morales' portfolio of large-scale cultural and institutional projects throughout Quebec, along with its research on innovative workplace design, attests to its recognized expertise in creating collaborative and adaptable spaces. The innovative design of Fondaction's new headquarters is a prime example of a smart building in Quebec that brilliantly shows how sustainable and eco-friendly principles can be integrated into a collaborative work approach.

About Chevalier Morales

Chevalier Morales is a Montreal-based architecture and design firm, holding a strong provincial and national presence. The firm’s founders, Stephan Chevalier and Sergio Morales, are committed to a contemporary vision of architecture that integrates social and environmental responsibility, along with a profound sensitivity to the surrounding context.

Renowned for their thoughtful and imaginative approach, Stephan, Sergio, and their team ensure that contemporary issues related to social, cultural, and environmental concerns are reflected in their work. Constantly seeking innovation in its approach to addressing those challenges, the firm is deeply engaged with the realities of its time. With a talented and highly skilled team of around fifty collaborators, the firm undertakes approximately forty projects annually. Their diverse body of work spans cultural institutions, university environments, primary and secondary education sectors, dynamic workspaces, and private and social housing. The firm is also recognized for its expertise in heritage restoration and rehabilitation.

Photo credit: Chevalier Morales