Lighting up Artopex’s new showroom

Artopex, one of the biggest office furniture manufacturers in Quebec, just unveiled its new showroom in the heart of Old Montreal. In collaboration with Lemay, the multidisciplinary firm responsible for the interior design, LumiGroup created the lighting of this space, previously vacant for 25 years. Located in the basement of the former Royal Bank of Canada, this showroom was presented with a formidable lighting challenge - the almost total absence of natural light. The objective was to create various lighting moods, while highlighting subtle tailored intensity variations and contrasts, rather than general diffuse lighting commonly used in showrooms. The showcased products benefit from a high source of light while adjacent spaces are treated with softer lighting. A continuous ribbon, showing images of Quebec’s territory, guide us through each different section of the showroom, illustrating the story and history of Artopex. LumiGroup, supporting this narrative and graphic frame, opted for fluorescent lighting, of asymmetrical type using linear devices arranged on the ceiling, bathing the walls in light from top to bottom. The brightness of the wall lighting makes up for the lack of windows. The sample room and the adjacent conference room are equipped with Petal pendant lights from Luce Plan, designed by the French architect Odile Decq. These large white fabric-coated rings soften the glass and concrete space with their acoustic properties. The stone foundations of the original building were stripped and then further enhanced with a system of LED lighting, hidden on the ceiling for a theatrical and dramatic effect. Lemay’s staging and LumiGroup’s lighting together created a beautiful refined effect, consisting of games of shadows and lights and contrasting atmospheres.

Artopex, one of Quebec’s largest manufacturers of office furniture, commissioned Lemay to design its new showroom in the heart of historic Old Montreal. The project is located in the prestigious former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada. After sitting vacant for more than 25 years, the emblematic building has been completely revitalized and rethought in order to give Artopex a space that reflects its image and values. History and territory The project aimed at more than displaying products: the goal was to communicate the manufacturer’s history and identity with a graphic and spatial narrative thread, with the ultimate objective of preserving memories and emphasizing the quality of its products. The idea of territory emerged as the central theme for the entire interior design concept. Starting at the entrance, an uninterrupted ribbon of images of Quebec landscapes guides visitors through the different zones of the showroom, spread accross two basement levels. Quebec’s urban, industrial and natural landscapes translate Artopex’s commitment towards the community and the environment, two values at the core of the company’s culture. The pixelated treatment of the background images creates a defocused effect that directs the eye toward the product, making an original contribution to its display. Contrasting mises-en-scène From the outset, the architects faced two major challenges: the front door is dwarfed by imposing neoclassical columns, and the showroom’s basement location suffers from a shortage of natural light. In response to the first, an enormous LED-animated marquee draws the gaze and energizes the entrance with a variety of lighting effects. Addressing the second, a large opening in the floor leads to oversized wooden stairs serving as a meeting place as well as a display space, while flooding the lower levels with natural light. The arrangement of the different zones, linked by lighting effects, creates several contrasting ambiances that enhance the visitor experience. The new Artopex showroom becomes a tool for creative product displays. Normally seen at the individual scale, here furniture is experienced in relation with the environment.

Artopex, one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of office furniture, is continuing its expans­­ion with the official opening of a new showroom in Quebec City. Located on Saint-Joseph Street in the trendy neighbourhood of Saint-Roch, the new corporate space, showcasing the company’s full range of office products under one roof, is an important element in the development of the company, which aims to strengthen its well-established Quebec City market. “We have been collaborating with numerous corporate clients, architects and designers in the city and surrounding area from many years. We are very pleased to provide them with a space to see, touch and try our products,” explains Daniel Pelletier, President of Artopex. Native Land The company, 100% Canadian from concept to the manufacturing, has a large presence in the province of Quebec. Artopex has four plants, including two in Granby – also home to the Head Office – one in Laval and another in Sherbrooke.

A new showroom was recently inaugurated in Old Montreal and today, a new one in Quebec City opens its doors. Lemay was mandated with the development of the interior concept for both spaces, building on the ideas of history and territory, reflecting Artopex’s image and values as well as the company’s deep attachment to its roots. The Montreal space was awarded the Grand Prix “Showroom” at the 2015 Grand Prix du Design. Graphic Narrative The project is aimed at more than displaying products: the goal was to communicate the manufacturer’s history and identity with a graphic and spatial narrative thread, with the ultimate objective of highlighting the company’s roots and emphasizing the quality of its products. Starting at the entrance, an uninterrupted ribbon of images of Quebec landscapes guides visitors through the different zones of the 4000 square foot showroom. Quebec’s urban, industrial and natural landscapes translate Artopex’s commitment to the community and the environment, two values at the core of the company’s culture. The pixelated treatment of the background images creates a defocused effect that directs the eye toward the product, making an original contribution to its display. We also notice a large backlit mural featuring Artopex products in office settings across North America, juxtaposed with images of the company’s skilled workers and the manufacturing process. Artopex’s products benefit from a variety of presentations, combined with lighting effects creating a diversity of contrasting ambiences. Platforms and podiums of varying heights allow for the appreciation of the product’s smallest details, bringing a dynamic energy to the circuit and contributing to an enhanced visitor experience.