Coarchitecture designed Ubisoft's new workspace in Quebec City. The lighting of these new spaces, designed to encourage creative projects, was at the heart of the conception and LumiGroup's expertise was called upon to achieve all the of the project's objectives.
Over the past 11 years, Ubisoft Quebec's studio has developed an internationally recognized expertise and has experienced significant growth, both in terms of the size and number of projects carried out. Originally made up of small production teams, the studio quickly reached a new level by developing triple A games, involving large-scale production. As this type of project requires very large teams and vast floor areas to facilitate synergy, a relocation of the studio became essential.
Numerous meetings, discussions and brainstorming workshops were held between the various stakeholders and decision-makers throughout the development of the project. The overall concept of the project was inspired by games, sports fields and a typical backyard; an organized and playful chaos where each teammate has the opportunity to move, play, work, exchange, collaborate and ultimately innovate.
The new space is articulated around an electric blue staircase, placed in the heart of the building, constituting the spine of the project. The fluidity, communication and interconnection between colleagues and diverse teams were the priority of the spatial organization. Thus, many collective spaces and meetings, formal or informal, revolve around this great dynamic breakthrough.
Based on this integrated design process, the lighting was designed to compose a coherent concept, in harmony with the project. "The lighting design had to adapt to a multitude of spaces, each deploying a distinct universe, a special atmosphere," explained Nicolas Brassard, lighting consultant at LumiGroup.
Certain areas and public spaces are punctuated by industrial and robust style lighting fixtures, referring to the urban landscape, such as Quebec's alleys, parks and garages. In contrast, warm fixtures that are more residential style, mark some meeting spaces, or the dining room, for a more intimate and cozy feel.
The summer room features a swing with upward-facing lighting, Osram's Linear Light Flex, and Absolux's Keiko wall sconces, reminiscent of outdoor torches. The winter room offers a starry ceiling composed of several individual light bulbs, Absolux's AX-4803 model, arranged at various heights. Then, a large park comes to cut the density of the large working place in two, allowing space and ideas to ventilate.
The Post-it room for brainstorming, boasts a bright yellow, with the aim of getting out of a comfort zone and pushing imagination and innovation to the maximum. The space is accompanied by fluorescent lights and mirrors on the ceiling to accentuate the vibrancy and brilliance of the place.
Photography: Jonathan Robert