Created by the firm Jean Lessard, creative designers, the Uniprix pharmacy located in Quartier DIX30, on the outskirts of Montreal, stands out from the usual design of this type of superstore because it challenges accepted notions.

Advertising campaigns are enhancing the image of closeness of the family pharmacist. Still, insists Jean de Lessard, who is known for his radical experimentations, it must be demonstrated: “We wanted the space to reflect the human side of the profession, that it becomes an empathetic place, simple and collective, unpretentious, allowing the pharmacists to be more accessible and be seen by their patients.”

To heighten the social dimension of the act, the designer thus chose to make of the laboratory the focal point, and consequently, a place for socializing amongst neighbours.

Harmony in roundness

The design was modulated by some feng shui[1] principles, such as organizing the space to promote a smooth circulation of the energy flow (Ch’i). The laboratory consists of a grouping of circles around which one can walk, including a magistral medicine side room and the pharmacist’s favorite, an ergonomic pillbox, which she finds has a retro look; there is also a storage room and a circular glass air-lock looking office with a sliding door, for private consultations.

For Ch’i activation, light is key according to feng shui. The laboratory is positioned in the north part where soft natural light comes in from large windows. The use at this spot of the colour blue and steel is auspicious too, the north being associated in feng shui to the water and metal elements. In addition, the reflection of light on the polished steel of the pillbox softens the visual impact of a volume with such an impressive mass. The yellow-colored fabric that covers the wall of the magistral medicine side room brings balance to the laboratory area colder in appearance.

Placement of the furniture is far from accidental: high furniture positioned at the periphery and low-profile units offer an unobstructed line of view of the laboratory and the pharmacists.

Circularity of the yin and the yang

Simplifying the reading of the space and the products plus optimizing the merchandising factor took months of research, volumetric studies and discussions. These aspects stem from the pharmacist and the designer’s wish for a colorful and refined place, in a simple fashion. Kieu Truong believes that it is possible for banners to humanize their store as she did to improve the customer experience.

Since construction, the interest for the space in the industry is truly palpable. “I’ve found a few [competitors] covertly trying to take pictures! I have them visit the place”, adds an amused, not without pride, Kieu Truong. Several important events of the Group have already been held in her pharmacy and traffic is a bit higher than expected.

Such as “objects carefully arranged in space,” in Jean de Lessard’s words, the custom display furniture brings a lively note. Behind their apparent simplicity of form, the shelves and counters built by cabinet-maker Héritage did present many technical challenges themselves subject to intensive research. Further, colouring preparation called for a rigorous sampling process, until the proper shade for each colour was achieved. “Those pastel colours are a perfect balance to Kieu Truong’s personality, a true ball of energy! The colour acts as a gentle counterpoint to her vivacious personality, interplaying with the yin and the yang,” comments the designer.

That there are no products around the laboratory area may surprise at first, but clutter is to be avoided. “The reason is that we consciously wanted to dissociate the mercantile aspect of the professional act of the pharmacist. Listening, professionalism and human warmth prevail over product”, says Jean de Lessard, as he concludes. Conveying fluidity and openness to preserve the natural brightness, the immaculate walls are, moreover, devoid of any advertising materials, leaving the space to harmony.

Jean de Lessard also designed the Centre Médical Alexandre, owned too by the pharmacist. He sought to animate this clinic located on the first floor with the same spirit of clarity and simplicity, selecting similar volumes and materials for continuity. A sense of movement and the rounded walls energize the place in a non-aggressive manner. The round scheme is used for furniture, just as it was used in the pharmacy. The wooden slats ceiling of the waiting room in the south part is another auspicious architectural detail. Wood brings structure, warmth and brightness without oppressing the Ch’i. In feng shui, the south part benefits from the strong presence of the wood element and is, by extension, beneficial to all of those present in the space.

Photo credit: © Adrien Williams

Projects technical specifications

Client: Kieu Truong, pharmacist owner, Uniprix

Designers: Jean de Lessard, creative designers

Project manager: Alexa Adam

General contractor: Construction Mikado

Project manager: Teresa Botello

Cabinetwork Pharmacy: Héritage Ébénisterie Architecturale

Cabinetwork Centre Médical: Regency Ébénisterie

Shelf Pharmacy: Équipement Boni

Lighting: Au Courant Lighting

Glass: Renaissance Glassworks

Stainless steel: Gagnon Spécialités

Material Pharmacy

Ceramic tile, laminate, fabric, glass, stainless steel

Material Centre Médical

Ceramic tile, laminate, fabric, glass, wood, carpet

Parameters Pharmacy

Total surface: 8,100 square feet

Parameters Centre Médical

Total surface: 2,800 square feet

About Jean de Lessard

Montreal-based designer Jean de Lessard combines over 25 years of design practice in various sectors.  He designs many creative interiors. His eclectic skills led him to work on a diversity of vocational spaces including offices, hotels, restaurants and boutiques.

Having amalgamated in its design practice many professional resources and findings of numerous socio-economic studies, the firm developed the custom-made approach “Duality of the individual and the community”. This innovative approach focused on the diversity of space occupation patterns is positioning Jean de Lessard, creative designers as one of the world’s pioneers of the creative development of individuals and societies.

The firm is a laureate of the Iconic Awards in Munich, the Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards in NYC and the Montreal’s Grands Prix du design in Montreal. Winner of prestigious prizes from the Association of Retail Environment in Chicago, its projects have also won the firm awards from the International Property Awards in London.

[1] Feng shui means “wind and water”. This ancient Chinese art of placement is based on the observation of nature and the energy balance equation.