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Gearbox Montréal

When design meets innovation in the world of video games.

Gearbox, a leader in the video game industry, has once again partnered with Patriarche for the design and construction of its first studio in Montreal, following the success of their project in Quebec City, which earned the Grand Prix du Design in the category “Interior Design, Office, Creative Firm and New Technology Companies.” While the Quebec City studio served as a benchmark, a new approach was adopted for the Montreal location.

The distinctive layout of the Montreal studio, characterized by its rectangular and elongated floor plan, presented a significant challenge. The need to create a dynamic environment while providing clear landmarks was crucial. To address this challenge, Patriarche adopted an audacious approach, creating various ambiances and playing on color contrasts to delineate the different spaces. This innovative strategy not only enlivened the space but also facilitated team orientation, promoting a fluid and intuitive circulation.

Gearbox’s studio in Montreal features 208 open-space workstations, 11 enclosed offices, 12 meeting rooms, and 11 lounge areas. Each area was designed to meet specific needs, fostering collaboration, individual focus, and relaxation. This functional diversity ensures that each team member has an appropriate environment, thereby enhancing productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Client : Gearbox

Location : Montreal, Canada

Size : 3 058 m²

Status : Delivered

Date : 2023

Key points

  • 208 workstations.
  • 12 meeting rooms.
  • 11 lounge areas.
  • 1 cafeteria.
  • Fusion of art and design.
  • Eclectic furnishings.
Download the project sheet

Inspiration and key concepts

Our team embarked on a quest to create a distinctive identity for the Montreal studio. To achieve this, we immersed ourselves in a world of vibrant, retro colors, drawing inspiration from the unique urban energy of the metropolis.

The industrial district of Montreal’s Old Port, home to this Gearbox studio, served as a major source of inspiration, with its graffiti and abandoned buildings. We integrated elements of street art into the design to capture the essence of pop culture and the 90s era. For instance, the gender-neutral signage draws inspiration from the iconic video game Mario Bros, featuring a retro, pixelated typographic composition.

We immersed ourselves in a world of vibrant, retro colors, drawing inspiration from the unique urban energy of the metropolis.

Eclectic furniture and unusual elements

In a desire to bring a touch of originality, unexpected pieces of furniture have been carefully integrated. Stools reminiscent of tree trunks and a large meeting table with wooden branch legs were selected to infuse a natural, wooded atmosphere into the design, creating a contrast with the venue’s '90s vibe.

The project embodies the concept of off-the-beaten-path exploration, symbolized by elements such as the yellow curtain salvaged from a welding workshop, now nicknamed “the shower.” This unique detail evokes the raw, industrial spirit of a construction site, deliberately contrasting with the cozy comfort of the rest of the cafeteria space.

In a desire to bring a touch of originality, unexpected pieces of furniture have been carefully integrated. Stools reminiscent of tree trunks and a large meeting table with wooden branch legs were selected to infuse a natural, wooded atmosphere into the design, creating a contrast with the venue’s '90s vibe.

The project embodies the concept of off-the-beaten-path exploration, symbolized by elements such as the yellow curtain salvaged from a welding workshop, now nicknamed “the shower.” This unique detail evokes the raw, industrial spirit of a construction site, deliberately contrasting with the cozy comfort of the rest of the cafeteria space.

When creativity and trust turn a concept into reality

In this project, Patriarche was truly able to unleash its creativity, pushing the boundaries of design to deliver a truly unique concept. The client, who placed complete trust in us, proved to be an exceptional partner, diving wholeheartedly into our boldest ideas. This mutual commitment made it possible to bring a shared vision to life, resulting in an extraordinary workplace where innovation and originality take center stage.

Team

Patriarche (Architecture, Interior Design, Signage, Graphic Design)
Partners:
Planifitech Inc. | Electromechanical Engineer

Credits

Photos : ©Mano Photographe

Program

Offices

Photos of the construction site

Gearbox Montréal