The imaginative iA Financial Group Workshop in Montréal, designed by La Camaraderie and Inscape le studio is nestled inside the Old Customs House – the Fondation J. Armand Bombardier Building. The new educational space for school workshops exposes students to archaeology and history through an array of activities in an exciting environment.

Waves of inspiration

The St. Lawrence River was the inspiration for the colors and flowing shapes that greet visitors to educational experiences. For the desigeners, the movement of water became the guiding line of the design concept. The stairs that lead to the primary learning space are treated with a large wave. A colorful mobile installation hangs from the ceiling of the central space and moves like playful pebbles in water. There are also huge blue waves across the main floor area. The main space is divided into four rooms by large folding doors which enables flexibility and custom furnishings promote fun.

"The design team has shown boldness and creativity to create a space that not only meets specific needs, but also stimulates the imagination...a space that makes you dream!" - Brigitte Lacroix, Exhibitions-Multimedia Technology Project Manager at the museum