The architectural firm Atelier Barda was commissioned by SSENSE for a second time to expand their Montreal headquarters following the completion of Phase I in 2017. Renowned as a dynamic global platform at the crossroads of culture, community, and commerce, SSENSE is critically acclaimed for its exclusive content and a curated selection of over 400 fashion and luxury designers, spanning both established and emerging talents.
Recognized as an e-commerce powerhouse and a cultural content producer, SSENSE commands an impressive average of 100 million monthly page views, captivating an audience primarily composed of individuals aged 18 to 40. The organization's needs and programs evolve rapidly to match its expanding footprint.
Situated in Montreal’s historic textile neighborhood, the new workspaces, totaling over 140,000 square feet added to the existing 24,000 square feet, underwent a comprehensive redesign. Former iindustrial spaces dedicated to logistics and warehouses were transformed into a commercial hub featuring offices, multiple photo studios, an auditorium, and versatile spaces designed with heightened flexibility for the ever-evolving SSENSE community.
The primary objective in these second and third phases was to craft functional spaces that resonated with the site's original purpose while preserving its industrial aesthetics through thoughtful and restrained addition. The ambitious project involved a complete overhaul, adopting a strict minimalist design that, though neutral, bestowed a distinctive character. Eschewing ostentation, the architecture embraced a deliberately raw aesthetic, aligning with the company's strong and bold brand image.
Stripped to its bare essence, the vast space was transformed into a canvas of minimalist design, embodying a neutral yet uniquely refined aesthetic. This deliberate raw aesthetic, guided by the company's core values and evolving needs, became an architectural signature where absence paradoxically spoke its own language. The spaces were conceived with a dramatic, sequenced, almost cinematic approach, transitioning from predominantly white open-plan spaces to darker areas like the auditorium.
Meticulous attention was devoted to understanding the interdepartmental dynamics within the company during the remodeling process. Additionally, Atelier Barda’s sister company, Foraine, designed a bespoke collection of sleek stainless steel pieces produced in close collaboration with local artisans, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the expanded headquarters.
Technical Sheet
Client: SSENSE Architect: Atelier Barda Furniture: Foraine Photo credit: Alex Lesage Area: 140,000 sq.ft. Completion: 2023
About Atelier Barda
Founded in 2013, Atelier Barda is an architectural firm whose methodology is based on the concept that every client and every new project dictates a unique approach. Each proposal is met with a detailed response to the core needs and context of the project, while thinking outside of the box in order to enhance, redefine, and improve the desired outcome.
Atelier Barda embraces the common demand for articulation of constructive thinking. The firm applies a sensitive approach to addressing the multiple details of a space, ultimately ensuring that the finished product reflects the sum of all of its parts.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the expertise of Atelier Barda extends across borders to encompass multiple international collaborations. The firm’s innovative work, including its strong focus on atmosphere and experimentation, has been recognized through numerous industry accolades in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
About Foraine
Foraine was born out of the public's infatuation with the furniture pieces created by the architectural studio Atelier Barda as opportunities arose. Based in Montreal, Foraine creates objects that speak to the collective heritage but also resonate intimately with each individual. Without wanting to limit themselves to pieces of furniture, the designers explore the notion of everyday objects in a broad sense.
Foraine is currently represented by Gallerie Philia.
Status: Built
Location: Montreal, QC, CA
Firm Role: Architects
