SDA 2022 Entries

• Light + Surface - The innovative use of light and the way it is inextricably linked to surfaces, whether it’s the effect the light has on the surrounding surfaces or the materials used to create the light.  

W Montreal underwent major renovations to its common areas, including the check-in area, lobby, bar and restaurant, as part of a multi-phase repositioning project aimed at updating the banner’s identity and offering. The guiding concept initially developed by the firm in 2017 is inspired by a museum-style décor influenced by Montreal’s cultural icons. These revisited artifacts reflect a forward-thinking city that also takes pride in its heritage. The décor displays bespoke furniture inspired by metro stations; carpets hinting at street art; suspended lighting fixtures inspired by the shape of the cross atop Mount Royal; and illuminated artwork reminiscent of the Quartier des Spectacles and Red-Light district. Located above a former bank vault, the bar fits between the lobby and the restaurant in the form of a massive block adorned in gold. The hotel originally had four bars, but none servicing the hotel lobby. Featuring a bar extending through the lobby and the restaurant, allowed to link the two spaces and combined three of the existent bars.

The Tbsp. restaurant sits in a port-like atmosphere surrounded by azure marble, with a wavy and shimmering ceiling imitating the reflection of the waves, immediately capturing the visitor's attention. Sleek and understated, the layout transports the guest to the shores of the St. Lawrence River. The rich woods that make up the tables, seats and part of the lobby evoke boats and docks, transporting visitors to the edge of the water.

The integration of art works was done in collaboration with art consultancy agency MASSIVart, who curated and produced art installations in a way that embodies the hotel’s new identity and enhances the customer experience. The sense of arrival was magnified with an impressive golden and luminous installation by Toronto artist Camille Jodoin-Eng, reminiscent of the building’s origin, as a former banking institution. The lounge is accentuated with a 67’ long, 5’4’’ high artwork by French artist Etienne Rey - constantly evolving, it reveals color combinations that change depending on the viewer’s position, thus transforms the lobby space into a contemplative experience. A design installation of light playing with a neon heart which bathes the lobby with a sensual red glow, adds warmth to the space and reverberates the streets of Montreal. These artworks contributed to a cohesive aesthetic enhancing the new design as well as boosting the hotel’s ambiance.

Completion date: 01/09/2020
Cost of construction: 8,400,000.00 $ (CAD)
Project honorable mentions: The Architect’s Newspapers (A’N) & Best of Design Award for Interior, Hospitality category (2020).

The guiding concept is inspired by a museum-style décor influenced by Montreal’s cultural icons. The décor displays bespoke furniture inspired by metro stations; carpets hinting at street art, suspended metal lighting fixtures inspired by the shape of the cross atop Mount Royal and illuminated artwork reminiscent of the Quartier des Spectacles and Red-Light district. Located above a former bank vault, the bar fits between the lobby and the restaurant in the form of a massive block adorned with a metallic golden sheet.

The Tbsp. restaurant sits in a port-like atmosphere surrounded by azure marble, with a wavy and shimmering ceiling imitating the reflection of waves, immediately capturing the visitor's attention. A strong contrast was also created between concrete finishes and the soft velvet fabric banquettes.

The hotel’s sense of arrival was magnified with an impressive golden and luminous installation by Toronto artist Camille Jodoin-Eng, reminiscent of the building’s origin, as a former banking institution. The lounge is accentuated with a 67’ long, 5’4’’ high artwork by French artist Etienne Rey - constantly evolving, it reveals color combinations that change depending on the viewer’s position, thus transforms the lobby space into a contemplative experience.

A design installation of light playing with a neon heart which bathes the lobby with a sensual red glow, adds warmth to the space and reverberates the streets of Montreal. These artworks contributed to a cohesive aesthetic enhancing the new design as well as boosting the hotel’s ambiance.

The W Montreal being in a former banking institution, a particular attention was given to the integrity of the building’s original architecture. Furthermore, the hotel sits on an old, backfilled river, allowing for the development of an underground tunnel, breaking the city in two. This clear divide between the classical heritage of French architecture in Old Montreal and the modern buildings that fill downtown was acknowledged when our team conceptualized the new design of the space.

The Tbsp. restaurant sits in a port-like atmosphere with a rippled and shimmering ceiling hinting the reflection of the St. Lawrence River’s turbulent waves over the dining room. When searching for the materials to create such effect, we approached local artisans who presented various creative avenues. Unfortunately, due to code violations and sustainability issues, these options were dismissed. Quickly, the design team had to find a solution that would answer the same design intention. We finally decided on large ceramic tiles provided by a local manufacturer.

Lastly, the integration of art works was done in collaboration with local art consultancy agency MASSIVart, who curated and produced art installations which not only contributed to a cohesive aesthetic enhancing the new design but also generated hints to the streets of Montreal and strong pillars of the cityscape. Most of those artworks were created by the Montreal-based artist, thus celebrating local talents and strengthening a sense of community a local gallery would elicit.

The Tbsp. restaurant sits in a port-like atmosphere with a rippled and shimmering ceiling hinting the reflection of the St. Lawrence River’s turbulent waves over the dining room. When searching for the materials to create such effect, we approached local artisans who presented various creative avenues. Unfortunately, due to code violations and sustainability issues, these options were dismissed. Quickly, the design team had to find a solution that would answer the same design intention. We finally decided on large ceramic tiles provided by a local manufacturer. The nature of the ceramic required close collaboration with the general contractor and products’ representatives to ensure the safety of the installation, several adhesive compounds and shear tests were evaluated.

The main intention of the restaurant’s layout is to transport the guest to the shores of the St. Lawrence River and the integration of art works allowed to accentuate the intention of the design. For example, a colourful wallpaper is displayed in the main dining room, hinting a beautiful sunset overlooking a river. All curated and produced art installations not only contributed to a cohesive aesthetic enhancing the new design but also generated hints to the streets of Montreal and strong pillars of the cityscape. Lastly, most of those artworks were created by Montreal based artist, thus celebrating local talents and strengthening a sense of community a local gallery would elicit.