13 Oct 2023

ARIDO Award: CIBC Conference and Learning Centre

A people focused approach was the starting point for this new three floor conference and learning centre in Toronto. The client needed a space where they could host executive and employee training, as well as coaching and mentoring programs to advance their team’s careers.

Interior Designers: Annie Bergeron, ARIDO; Yen Lee, ARIDO; Staci McCrindle, ARIDO
Design Firm: Gensler
Design Team: Jessica Mascarenhas, ARIDO; Joshua Fajardo, Intern, ARIDO; Maggie Chen, Intern, ARIDO
Photographer: Nic Lehoux

Reception area and concierge desk at CIBC Conference and Learning Centre

The space transcends traditional conferencing facilities with technology to fully support hybrid meetings and be inclusive of all participants. The auditorium can host 1,000 attendees, with smaller meeting rooms, an open crush space, and a large commercial kitchen to serve varied hospitality needs.

Cafe area with simple modern furniture, linear lighting along the ceiling and same detail on the walls by the elevators

Large Conference room with multiple round tables, two storey ceiling with linear lighting running across in a square pattern

Accessibility was key, with the design team establishing an unaided street-to-meet path of independence for people of varying mobilities as well as gender-neutral washrooms, voice-activated controls, and contrasting materials and braille integration for people with vision loss.