Interior Design team deserves credit for Visa’s new offices
Visa used the relocation of its Canadian headquarters as an opportunity to create a highly energized and progressive working environment for their employees; one that fosters increased communication and collaboration between coworkers. Interestingly, Visa shifted their workplace from a traditional private office environment to an open concept workspace, reducing the number of private offices by 60%.
Interior Designer: Sharon Turner, ARIDO
Design Team: Caitlin Turner, ARIDO; Yen Lee, ARIDO; Jamie Lee Khan, ARIDO
Design Firm: HOK
Photographer: Tom Arban
In a unique move, the premium corner views are dedicated to collaboration spaces, while enclosed offices are situated in the building’s core to maximize access to natural sunlight and views for all employees.
The collaboration spaces receive an abundance of natural light, while black ceilings add contrast and disguise fireproofing. A large promenade adjacent to reception on the 44th floor becomes an event area for large gatherings and meetings. Other collaboration areas are accented by feature lighting to create a greater sense of hominess. Mixed carpet tiles add distinction between the different zones of the office from the front entrance, subtly transitioning throughout.
Visa also sought an updated, professional aesthetic, that clearly indicated their place in the financial sector. A floor-to-ceiling logo sign welcomes visitors as they step off the elevator, and the brand’s logo is integrated into the custom marble “concierge” desk. Brand colours of navy and silver are applied as accents throughout the space. Along the corridors, several glass shadowboxes house curated artifacts, memorabilia, and awards, while magnetized brand images add interest and allow for future versatility as the brand evolves.
Visa’s corporate sustainability mandate dictated that their new headquarters should use 80% less energy than a typical office building. LED lighting that senses daylight and occupancy is used throughout the space and all appliances are Energy Star rated. The whole project was completed on an extremely tight 12-week construction schedule, but the efforts were clearly worth the work.
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