New office, new vision! By using a move as an opportunity to refocus its values, TV5 Québec Canada took an important step in its evolution. The broadcaster’s chief executive officer, Marie-Philippe Bouchard, had a clear vision of the environment she wanted to provide her employees, and she and her team engaged FOR. design planning to implement that vision. As a living, open organization built on collaboration, TV5 needed a space designed for inspiration, collegiality and the celebration of francophone identities and cultures.

“We had the opportunity to move into a space overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the cradle of la francophonie. I wanted this to be a bright, warm and human place for work and life, in line with our corporate values,” Ms. Bouchard said.

From the office’s location at 460 Saint-Paul St. East, the St. Lawrence can be seen from several angles thanks to a number of openings and to the use of transparent modular partitions. The space consists largely of open areas in order to encourage collaboration, agility and fluidity. The few enclosed offices are all the same size and form a group of rooms arranged in the centre of each floor. As a result, every window is unobstructed, allowing employees to fully enjoy views of the river and Old Montreal.

André Davignon, president of FOR., wanted the concept to be grounded in TV5’s values. “Beyond functional requirements, we worked to create open spaces that reflect TV5 by maximizing natural light, providing a fluid spatial experience, showcasing the space’s volumes and original structure, and crafting a unique identity for the company’s dynamic team.” To encourage nomadic work and stimulate conversation, the workspaces are punctuated with informal collaboration and discussion areas. There is a seamless transition between the cafeteria and the reception area, creating a large public gathering place near TV5’s operational nerve centre, the broadcast room.

FOR. paid tribute to the Green Promenade connecting Mount Royal and the river (created for Montreal’s 375^th anniversary) by including a green corridor on the top floor. In its new space, TV5 is truly perched between river and mountain.

Data sheet

Project: TV5 Québec Canada Head Office

Location: Montreal, Canada

Year: 2017

Area: 16,000 sq. ft.
Client: TV5 Québec Canada

Design: FOR. design planning

General Contractor: Marfoglia Construction

Photography: David Boyer

About TV5 Québec Canada

TV5 Québec Canada provides specialty channels nationwide to promote and expand the social and linguistic diversity of Canadian and international French culture. TV5 is a French-language channel with programming from various Francophone countries, as well as content produced in Quebec and other parts of Canada. Unis TV focuses on the real accomplishments and aspirations of Francophone communities from coast to coast. TV5 and Unis TV are included free in basic cable and satellite subscription services across Canada.

About FOR. design planning

FOR. design planning is an interior design firm specializing in corporate, commercial and multi-unit residential projects. Since 1969, it has designed more than 20 million square feet of interiors in Canada and internationally. Its collaborative approach, its experience and its organizational skills facilitate the emergence of sensible and creative solutions. The resulting projects are marked with meaning for its users and are a positive addition for the community and the client.