The Emergence of the Campus

project

Design of 2 office levels for Genetec, at BAN3 building, in St-Laurent, Canada

In Montreal’s Technoparc district, Genetec continues its expansion with the renovation of a second building. Entirely dedicated to developer teams, the BAN3 project introduces a vision of an innovation campus where productivity, community, and enjoyment converge.

From the moment visitors enter the impressive 70,000 sq. ft. volume, their attention is drawn to a perforated millwork wall proudly displaying awards and recognitions, but above all the favorite books and references of the company’s talents. These visual openings naturally guide users toward a new multi-purpose area extending the existing cafeteria and strengthening team cohesion through a variety of activities: events, product launches, team gatherings, happy hours, and social moments.

This section unfolds into two distinct atmospheres: a game room framed by bold blue color blocking and a lowered ceiling creating intimacy, and a vibrant cafeteria animated by bright orange accents and modular flexibility. Between arcade games and foosball tables, translucent curtains define and protect the ping-pong area without obstructing views, while a gallery wall pays tribute to the pioneers and defining moments of Genetec’s history.

Between the game room and cafeteria, a freestanding neutral-toned volume establishes a transitional zone centered around a curved bar with integrated beer sink. Here, the first bottles are opened, and employees naturally gather around the adjacent high tables and bar seating. Above, lively conversations resonate through the acoustic slatted ceiling system, a proudly Quebec-made product manufactured in Lévis by Accent Digital.

The third floor, also part of this project, begins with a strong architectural gesture that sets the tone for the journey ahead: a black archway — extending seamlessly from floor to wall to ceiling — culminates in a back-painted glass wall acting as a reflective surface, mirroring a sequence of lighting and creating a striking sense of depth.

The building’s morphology, a long and narrow rectangle, led to the conception of a central acoustic architectural block — incorporating the black archway — to manage sound throughout the 18,000 sq. ft. floorplate. Acting as both a spatial landmark and an organizational anchor, it establishes a gradient of environments ranging from animated collaborative areas to quieter focus zones located along the perimeter.

Adjacent to this central core, a shared amenity volume integrates cafés, collaborative lounges, a library, meeting rooms, and secure lockers, all defined by lowered gypsum ceilings and rubber flooring. Surrounding this hub are open areas organized into “innovation circles,” a workplace concept developed by Genetec more than a decade ago. Each circle accommodates 12 developers, with the flexibility to expand into teams of 18 to 24 without requiring major reconfiguration. This agility is made possible by eliminating traditional demising walls in favor of a system where enclosed offices and meeting rooms themselves become spatial modulators. Informal collaboration and spontaneous exchanges therefore occur naturally and efficiently without monopolizing enclosed rooms.

In contrast to these quiet focus zones, pergolas intelligently energize the space, hosting stand-up Kanban meetings, development sprints, and small team discussions. Open to circulation paths, they provide all the tools required for seamless collaboration: integrated technology, stools, tack boards, and touchscreens. Their contrasting blue and orange accents also serve as visual landmarks within the expansive floorplate.

The project ultimately reflects an evolution of Genetec’s brand identity. Inspired by recent international Experience Centers in Sydney and Washington, the palette becomes warmer, materials gain richness and tactility — wood, felt, and textiles — and the lighting strategy shifts toward more nuanced and directional atmospheres, transitioning from a 3500K to a softer 3000K environment.

With the return to the office and increased sensitivity to noise, acoustic comfort became a key priority. The project integrates sound-absorbing materials across multiple surfaces, including a full cladding of the central core in high-performance PET felt panels made from recycled plastic bottles, rubber flooring, and several acoustic ceiling drops concentrated in high-traffic collaboration areas.

More than a workplace, BAN3 embodies the evolution of Genetec’s culture: an agile, collaborative, and human-centered environment where technological innovation is now expressed through warmer, more flexible spaces deeply rooted in the everyday experience of its teams.

Photos: David Boyer