Architecture, Interior architecture, Signage, Graphic design: Patriarche
Partners: Planifitech Inc. electromechanical engineer
Photography: Mano Photographe
Gearbox, a leader in the video game industry, has recently opened its newest studio in the heart of the industrial district of Montreal’s Old Port. Designed by Patriarche, the space is a sanctuary of innovation, igniting creativity and pushing the boundaries of design.
Defined by its elongated, rectangular floor plan, Patriarche meticulously designed the studio’s layout to foster a dynamic atmosphere, while creating distinct reference points dispersed throughout the space. The architectural firm’s design strategy involved creating distinct rooms by using contrasting colors to define the various spaces, thereby enabling seamless team orientation and promoting intuitive circulation throughout the studio. The space features 208 open-plan workstations, 11 enclosed offices, 12 meeting rooms, and 11 lounge areas, each meticulously designed to cater to specific needs, promoting collaboration, individual focus, and relaxation. Drawing inspiration from the urban energy of the city and the neighborhood in which it is located, the visual identity of the space infuses pop culture and 90s nostalgia with street art elements and retro colors.
The signage, for example, takes cues from the iconic Super Mario Bros video game, featuring retro lettering and a pixelated aesthetic, while the contrasting interior areas have bright, vibrant colors and furnishings. To infuse the project with a touch of originality, each piece of furniture was carefully chosen to imbue a natural ambiance and provide contrast to the 90s style. Stools reminiscent of tree trunks and a large meeting table with legs crafted from wooden boughs were chosen to introduce organic elements into the space, with these pieces being interspersed with sleek, elegant, and modern furniture elements to provide an additional contrasting effect.
To further elevate the space and raise awareness of more contemporary issues, Patriarche also partnered with artist Julien Lebargy, with a reproduction of his work Little Boy Bomb prominently displayed near the office entrances. Patriarche has achieved a remarkable feat in crafting a space which, amidst its diversity, exudes a distinct and compelling identity, resulting in a welcoming yet wholly original environment.
