The project involves the reconstruction and modernization of the workspaces and reception areas of the Caisse Desjardins Portugaise, member of the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, offering personal banking, insurance, and investment services. It aligns with the Desjardins Group's overall vision, espousing its commitment to a green, transparent, and socially responsible future. This missions pursues the role of economic, social, and cultural driver envisioned by the Portuguese founders of the Caixa de Economia dos Portugueses de Montréal in 1969.
The Caisse has always played a vital role in the Portuguese community, and this project aims to ensure its long-term development and growth within the Plateau Mont-Royal borough. The project's objective was to attract a younger clientele and ensure the Caisse's vitality and renewal, providing high-quality workspaces to retain a team of dynamic, motivated, and innovative professionals.
The Caisse's program consists of the following interventions:
Reconfiguration of the reception area and transaction counters, and the addition of a coffee corner;
Transformation of the main entrance and redesign of the bank machine lobby;
Creation of a contemporary, luminous, welcoming and universally accessible reception and waiting area;
Renovation of the restrooms, including the installation of a shower and changing room for cyclists;
Updating of all finishes, including ceilings, partitions and flooring;
Redesign of the security deposit box consultation room to render it more accessible, ergonomic, and private;
Addition of closed offices opening onto the reception area to accommodate various professionals and clients requiring discretion and expert financial advice, and open-plan offices on the mezzanine level;
Redesign of the kitchen and lunchroom;
Integration of the architectural lighting realized jointly with the German lighting designer Anselm Von Held;
Integration of materials and aesthetic inspired by Portugal, including cork wall surfaces and traditional tile work which reflects a deep respect for the local community culture.
The improvements were designed and carried out in compliance with applicable codes and standards and include the upgrade of security, structural, and electromechanical systems, all of which was coordinated by EKM architecture and environmental design.