OFFICE SPACES

Inclusive Design in Action: Ottawa City Hall’s Gender-Neutral Washrooms

LWG Architectural Interiors had the opportunity to work with the City of Ottawa in transforming their public washroom facilities into the first fully inclusive gender-neutral washrooms in City Hall.

Interior Designers: David Gibbons, ARIDO, Melanie Tracey, ARIDO and Lori Trask, ARIDO
Design Firm: LWG Architectural Interiors

Toilet stall doors are on the left and accros from them on the right is the barrier free sink area.

The traditional male and female washrooms, original to the building which opened in 1990, were integrated into one single gender-neutral facility, incorporating fully private individual toilet rooms, universal washroom facilities and a nursing lounge.

These washrooms have been well-received by City of Ottawa staff and the public alike, and have been referenced numerous times by public washroom advocates on CBC radio as an excellent example of what a public washroom facility should aspire to be.

The sink area across from the toilet stalls, with barrier free sink, three well lit mirrors above the three sinks, all hanging on a wood finish

White stone top barrier free single sink that hangs off a wall with horizontally laid wide plank wall tile in a neutral grey

The LWG design team, led by Principal/Interior Designer David Gibbons and designed by Associate/Interior Designer Melanie Tracey and Interior Designer Lori Trask, paid close attention to the lighting design, with the intent of creating a warm, welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of the very busy City Hall. Materials, finishing and detailing were carefully selected and articulated with longevity in mind, both aesthetically and practically.

Inclusion Initiative at Ottawa City Hall

ARIDO Award: Pinterest

As the visual inspiration platform that is used around the world to discover inspiring creators, source unique products, and generate ideas, the team at Pinterest sought to bring their platform to life in their new workplace.

Interior Designers: Annie Bergeron, ARIDO; Jessica Baird, ARIDO; Abigail David, ARIDO
Design Firm: Gensler
Design Team: Nina Bast, ARIDO

Photographer: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio

Colourful and bright reception area, with fun furniture pieces and curved lighting above invites visitors and employees to enter.

Creating an “experience first” setting with a minimum of half the space dedicated to immersive delight and wonder, the design team hosted blue-sky ideation sessions with employees to open a forum for ideas.

Glamping tenet ment for collaboration in a fun and relaxing atmosphere

A quiet hidden speak easy behind a hidden shelf door in a dark green colour

Employees are drawn to the whimsical amenity-centric space which features a glamping tent, hidden speakeasy, and greenhouse space. Murals and accessories for the styling of the space were sourced from multiple minority and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses.

The transition between hybrid and in-person collaboration is supported by a robust tech set up, underscoring the balance between individual effort and collaboration. The right mix of spaces bolsters creativity, and an ambient, inclusive sense of belonging.

ARIDO Award: Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Canadian Headquarters

Boston Consulting Group‘s new Canadian headquarters embody their mission through experiential installations which highlight their culture and brand.

Interior Designers: Caitlin Turner, ARIDO; Kristina Kamenar, ARIDO
Design Firm: HOK
Design Team: Jenna Walsh, ARIDO; Brittany Tod, ARIDO

Photographer: Klassen Photography and Karl Hipolito

The design team created an iconic three-story atrium which fosters a sense of belonging and creates the “wow” factor sometimes missing in typical office design.

Across from the atrium is an installation of company milestones in oak and brass, signalling the significance of BCG’s place in Canada. The installation takes pride of place and connects the team to the past while simultaneously inspiring future possibilities.

Circadian lighting, acoustic treatments, and flexible furniture options cater to the diverse needs of staff, particularly their neurodiverse population.

Lounge seating area flexible furniture. A black feature wall with detail and modern minimalist linear lighting above

ARIDO Award: Spadina Workplace

Designing for human behavior and fostering innovation were the two key strategies for this workplace redesign. The design team aimed to inspire a return to the office not from necessity, but a genuine desire fueled by the energizing atmosphere of the space.

Interior Designers: Caroline Robbie, ARIDO; Andrea Hall, ARIDO; Julie Sumairski, ARIDO
Design Firm: BDP Quadrangle
Design Team: Stephanie Wiebe, ARIDO

Photographer: Adrien Williams

With a ‘nest’ structure, employees naturally gravitate to spaces that suit their work and proximity, empowering them to select their ideal environment for the day ahead. The Oasis provides a serene retreat, featuring a skyline view, natural light, and lush plants. The Black Box encourages focused discussions, while the Back Alley acts as a casual, collaborative hub with a relaxed atmosphere.

Work stations adjacent to the Back Alley which acts as a casual, collaborative hub

A central convienience stair was added, adjacent to the lobby and reception desk, which encourages staff to make use of both floors of the space. By incorporating and refurbishing existing elements, the new design feels familiar and infuses new life.

Cafe area with flexible modular furniture pieces and the work stations visible behind the large shelf separating the two areas

ARIDO Award: Sony Music

Drawing inspiration from Yorkville’s Coffee House era of the 1960’s – a time and place that launched the careers of music legends – both artist and employee talent were the harmonizing tones at the centre of this project.

Interior Designer: Anthony Orasi, ARIDO
Design Firm: iN STUDIO
Design Team: Betty Chor, Intern, ARIDO; Katy Krause, ARIDO

Photographer: Steve Tsai

A fun lounge area with a blue accent wall and mid century inspired furniture. Outside the room in a hallway lit by large bulb lights along the ceiling

This new environment brings together three separate business units and 150 staff in a bright and comfortable workspace, while providing a touchdown space, a performance venue, and a recording studio for Sony’s artists. Sampling the product at Sony Music means listening to music and all materials, wall assemblies, and furnishings were selected with acoustic performance in mind.

Cafe/bar area surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and views of the city and lake

Functionality without compromising on aesthetic or comfort—from a faux architectural fireplace to retro leather seating, this is a space that supports employee engagement with a neighbourhood café feel.

ARIDO Award: Nutrien River Landing

Nutrien’s new space is an office that pays homage to their Saskatchewan roots while celebrating their global agricultural success. Human connection, sustainability, and user experience inform the function and form of their offices on the top nine floors of Saskatoon’s newest office tower.

Interior Designers: Janine Grossmann, ARIDO; Danielle Leon, ARIDO
Design Firm: Perkins&Will
Design Team: Lindsey Furik, Intern, ARIDO

Photographer: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio

The waiting area by the reception desk is grounded by a carpet resembling water and a biophilic detail on the wall to the right, while on the left the floor to ceiling windows provide views of the city

The design integrates references to Treaty No. 6 as a way to honour Indigenous, First Nations and Métis people’s history, culture, and connection to the land where the city of Saskatoon is located. This work was informed by an internal stakeholder group of Indigenous employees. Throughout the space, artwork by Indigenous and Canadian artists capture both the historic and contemporary values of the organization, and the vast Prairie surroundings.

Waiting lounge with a huge biophilic wall and furniture in earthy tones

Relaxed seating area with the work station area visible in the back. The entire space is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows

ARIDO Award: Minto Group

How do you unify a team of more than 350 staff in one space? The design team answered that question with their project for Minto Group Inc. Fresh air and fresh energy were guiding themes, signalling the company’s renewed focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as health and safety priorities.

Interior Designer: Susan Brewster, ARIDO
Design Firm: places&spaces

Photographer: Kevin Belanger

Minto Group Inc. reception desk with a huge living plant wall behind it and wooden detailing throughout

The design team exceeded the required accessibility standards and added amenities such as a wellness room for meditation, prayer, or exercise.

Technology is thoughtfully integrated, ensuring that participants have an equal seat at the table, whether they’re connecting from home, the office, or job sites.

Meeting and collaboration room with biophilic details in form of live plants and wall paper patterns

A large conference room with walls covered in light wood finish and neutral coloured furniture

One of the main gathering hubs provides natural light from skylights, lush plants, and adjoined rooms which bridge indoors and outdoors. Employee autonomy is considered, as staff who might be overwhelmed in a large meeting space can participate in adjacent smaller spaces, with technology that mirrors the presentation for everyone. Staff can be together, and set their own level of control and choice.

ARIDO Award: Google Montreal

Celebrating a sense of place was the strategy for Google’s new Montreal office. Located in the historic Read Building, the office pays homage to iconic Montreal neighborhoods including the Old Port, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

Interior Designers: Anthony Orasi, ARIDO; Alexandra Dobrzynski, ARIDO
Design Firm: iN STUDIO
Design Team: Rosemary Ratkaj, ARIDO; Clancy Snook, ARIDO; Sarah Stafford, ARIDO; Vince Zhao, Intern, ARIDO

Photographer: Gillian Jackson

Many structural elements were left exposed, such as worn concrete, heavy-gauge steel, and raw brick. A feature stair clad in structural steel tubing provides a central landmark for situating one self within the floorplate.

The design team developed an inclusive wayfinding methodology, supported by high contrast signage elements and the inclusion of braille features. With coloured carpeting which changes by floor, the stair supports this strategy. The space also highlights local and Indigenous artists and artisans with custom murals, fibre art, and graphics.

ARIDO Award: The Hive

The first of its kind in Canada, this 3D printed masonry wall is the result of a collaboration between design professionals, students, and faculty at an Ontario university.

Category: CRAFT

Interior Designers: Joanne Chan, ARIDO; Bruce Freeman, ARIDO; Glenn Cheng, ARIDO
Design Firm: SDI Design
Photographer: Scott Norsworthy

3D printed masonry wall The Hive employs hexagonal cells for an even distribution of load

The material changes of the The Hive during the drying and firing processes mean that each finished tile is unique

Drawing from the construction knowledge of bees, the design of The Hive employs hexagonal cells for an even distribution of load while minimizing material use but maximizing strength and stability. Clay’s plasticity and malleability bring a handmade sensibility to the 3D printed pieces. Its material changes during the drying and firing processes mean that each finished tile is unique. As it’s located in the offices of a wealth management firm it underscores the collective purpose of the space.

A Space Built on a Collaborative Approach to Design

In embracing post-pandemic design requirements, our client, International Research Development Centre (IDRC), assembled a group of employees to work closely with LWG to create a successful change in management narrative through design – conceptually, functionally and aesthetically. This group was called Mwanzo, a Swahili term meaning new beginnings.

Interior Designer: Bryan Wiens, ARIDO
Design Firm: LWG
Photographer: Kevin Belanger

The project was an opportunity to create a space that welcomed employees back to the office following the COVID-19 pandemic. An opportunity to work closely with the IDRC was embraced to ensure both a sense of ownership and a reflection of the values and focus in the work IDRC does both locally and internationally. As an organisation that champions research and innovation alongside those it works with, this collaborative approach was vital.

An opportunity to create a professionally designed space intentionally reflecting the IDRC’s requirements and allowing them to be a central player in the process, and project’s success…..what a wonderful and collaborative design methodology!

The vernacular of weaving was a key element in many features of the design. Applying the idea that good design is like a well woven fabric, each thread important and critical to the overall success and resulting in unified design solutions. Combining good design with an international development awareness of the universal use of woven materials across cultures, many features reflect this concept. From functional to decorative elements, design and meaning intertwine to create a visually holistic representation of the client’s work.

Materials and design features were thoughtfully used to enhance this concept. The collaborative work zones and display areas encompass millwork constructed to resemble an abstract weaving pattern. Textiles, including fabrics, wall coverings and carpet, mimic basic woven looks, plaids and suited jacket materials. Lighting incorporates fabric textures and intersecting patterns, resembling weaving in a variety of contexts.