In the spring of 2010, Astral Media relocated approximately 350 employees to four (4) floors in the heart of the action in downtown Montreal. The goals of this large-scale project included elaborating new furniture standards, fitting up flexible meeting spaces and optimizing employee interconnectivity in a contemporary, energetic and versatile working environment.

Based on the client’s four different business units (radio, television, advertising and digital media), our concept was inspired by key broadcasting industry words such as influence, communication, movement and exchange. The concept plays on the contrast between the medium and the message and manifests itself by means of undulating and pixelated graphic interventions. 

The project’s main challenge consisted in guiding the client’s transition toward a youthful and modern image and accommodating a large number previously dispersed employees in a single open and standardized space.

Aside from workstations, we fitted up a main reception area, various meeting spaces (conference and meeting rooms, agora, etc.) as well as common services (dining room, lounge, café, copy centre) on each floor. In order to create a rhythm and a gradation throughout the playful 6,000 m² space, each floor was identified with its own colour and the levels were linked by a central glass staircase.

Astral Media’s new flexible, functional and bright premises provide a human working experience and favour communication between employees.

This project garnered the 2011 Best of Canada Award from Canadian Interiors magazine.

Description of Lemay associés [architecture, design]

Our Vision
To be the leading Quebec firm, with international outreach, in the integrated design of the built environment through a distinctive creative approach which meets the strategic needs of our clients.

Our Mission 
To design, in a stimulating and congenial working environment, life spaces which promote the client’s identity, improve the quality of life of users and enhance community impact by optimizing the use of resources and minimizing the ecological footprint.

Our Corporate Values
To support our vision and mission, values of Lemay we want to promote are:
• Teamwork 
• Creativity 
• Respect for the environment 
• Excellence 

Our History
Established in 1957 and boasting over 50 years of success, Lemay is one of the largest integrated design firms in the country, with offices in Montréal and Québec, as well as in Algeria and Costa Rica. Backed by its team of multidisciplinary designers, the firm offers a vast range of creative services in architecture, urban design, interior design and graphic design.

Lemay distinguishes itself from its competitors with distinctive, original and memorable projects of all scales and complexities. The fruit of collective knowledge supported by a half-century of experience, these projects are also the result of the firm’s unique creative approach. This driving force is animated by a constant search for excellence and a firm volition to innovate and question conventional practices, particularly those pertaining to the environment. A true partner to its clients, Lemay offers a memorable service experience founded on a synergy of expertise, teamwork and the talent of its multidisciplinary creators.

Lemay aims to create sustainable added value for its clients, their users and the community, while promoting the efficient use of natural resources and minimizing the ecological footprints of its projects in every facet, from the design and construction phases through to commissioning.

Official Project Name: Astral Media
Location: 1800, McGill College Avenue, Suite 2700, Montréal QC H3A 3J6
Client Name: Astral Media
Project Team: Louis T. Lemay, Partner in Charge; Sandra Neill, Associate Designer; Chantal Ladrie, Project Manager and Designer; Isabelle Matte, Designer; François Descôteaux, Designer; Caroline Lemay, Designer; Marie-Élaine Globensky, Graphic Designer, Véronique Richard, Industrial and Graphic Designer, Leonor Oshiro, Technician, Phary Louis-Jean, Technician
General Contractor: Patella inc.
Engineers: Planifitech Inc. (electro-mechanical engineering) and Nicolet Chartrand Knoll limitée (structural/civil engineering) 
Area: 6,000 m²
Construction Cost: $10M
Project Delivery Date: September 2010
Photographer: Claude-Simon Langlois