Project description

The Atrium is a common area located at the junction of several buildings in Old Montreal, on Notre-Dame Street. Its renovation was carried out by Atelier Carle, offering an architectural canvas ready to receive a refined interior design.

This transitional space, conceived as a "third place", welcomes users of the building housing various businesses. The covered space offers a series of seats and multi-purpose areas where it is possible to hold an informal meeting, take a call or share a meal with colleagues. Its open configuration also welcomes passers-by familiar with this discreet location.

From the entrance, the atmosphere is distinguished by a hushed intimacy. The materiality of the brick and gray stone walls, preserved and highlighted, contributes to the historical character of the site. The path leads naturally to the elevators, then to the central space, covered by a glass roof that floods the interior courtyard with natural light. From this central volume, the balconies of the different floors create a visual relationship between the entire building and the heart of the interior courtyard.

On the ground, slate tiling subtly blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, in resonance with the existing mineral textures. The furniture follows a symmetrical composition that promotes fluid circulation. Curved benches create intimate alcoves, while a long seat at the back of the space provides flexibility and modularity. The central furniture can be removed during events, reinforcing the Atrium's vocation as a versatile and unifying space.

The integration of plants throughout the layout evokes European terraces and reinforces the interior-exterior dialogue, a key concept of the project. Marble tables recall the aesthetics of bistros, creating an elegant and convivial setting.

The natural lighting from the glass roof is complemented by custom brass and fabric light fixtures, diffusing a soft and warm light. Their installation required meticulous technical planning, particularly for routing the electricity through the existing furniture and walls.

Finally, the space was designed to accommodate a café, an initiative by the owner to further activate the location. The large existing arches, temporarily concealed under a concrete coating, will eventually be reopened, creating connections to other rental spaces and reinforcing the building's multifunctional purpose.