How does design shape behaviour at work? Especially in the formal confines of a law firm, home to large libraries swathed in dark woods — and conservative values. The communal quarters (replete with saggy sofas and vending machines) are small, dark spaces.
The answer for Winnipeg’s Thompson Dorfman Sweatman (TDS) was to literally blow the roof off when they moved to True North Square. “It’s the first new office building in 20 years in the city,” says Figure3 founder Allan Guinan. Now occupying the top three floors of the new 17- storey building, Figure3 suggested the landlord constructed a huge skylight over the central staircase, creating a column of light to illuminate the centre of the offices for everyone traversing the three floors. “Most ceilings in law offices are flat, at TDS you don’t feel like you’re in an office tower which features open ceiling exposed to the structure,” Guinan says.
This project represented a full-circle moment for Guinan. Growing up in Manitoba, he knew one of the selling features in the prairie city was the horizon, with an abundance of seemingly limitless blue skies. One side of the building is curved, exposing a 60’ wide vista of Winnipeg’s skyline. The access to natural light and views for everyone was a conduit to convey a new corporate culture of openness, interconnectedness and yes, transparency..
Native materials like white oak wall slats and large-scale ceramic flooring references the city’s history of modernist architecture and affinity for Scandinavian design. The wall behind the reception desk is made of Tyndall limestone, a swirling sandwich of burrowing marine fossils unique to Manitoba, acting as a cross section of the region’s architectural history. “Everyone responds to natural materials that are simple and honest. They didn’t want it to feel overly opulent, the luxury comes from the abundant space, light and materials.”
We wanted to be nimble and future focused and I really feel like they designed vfor that and it worked.
Alan Fineblit
Guinan wanted to play up that transparency with glass partitions but there was some initial pushback. “The staff asked for frosted glass since they were concerned about being on display. The offices are a compact 150-square-feet and could feel very enclosed so I suggested a 90-day trial. Afterwards they said: we love it, leave them open. All transparent glass offices is almost unheard of in a law firm.”
The previous office was very dark, and everyone worked behind closed doors. TDS requested a dynamic space that moved them forward with integrated technology. In a nod to modernization, each office is equipped with standing desks. Features like pivot doors further contribute to the sense of openness. TDS was looking to break with tradition and make a transition, integrating technology into a light, bright space that encourages collaboration and movement.
The firm’s previous library (complete with Corinthian columns and spiral staircase) occupied two floors and Guinan shrunk it down to one wall, while the communal space was increased ten fold. The Manitoba Room, a large lounge/lunch room area on 17th floor, has spots to plug in as well as WiFi, mirroring the trend for more portable technology. “Lawyers work long hours often in isolation, so amenities like a coffee bar off the informal reception area encourage people to step away from their desks and go somewhere.”
Suzanne Wilkinson, principal at Figure3 adds: “TDS didn’t say they wanted a social space, it was a pleasant byproduct that inspired them to do more. Law firms need to attract talent fresh out of school or other cities, this new space does that, it’s another welcome outcome.”
TDS didn’t say they wanted a social space, it was a pleasant byproduct that inspired them to do more.
Suzanne Wilkinson
Alan Fineblit, former COO of TDS observes “Lawyers don’t do change well. We are taught to be risk averse and to follow precedent,” he observes. “Yet as soon as we moved into our space the culture changed, we became more collaborative, more collegial and we embraced all the opportunities our new design and new technology presented. It’s transformed our culture, design is the means.”
And there was a strong desire to not only connect employees but the community. To further bolster the city’s arts scene, works by local and indigeneous artists, such as the portrait of Louis Riel by Franco-Métis artist Candace Lipischak, are prominently displayed throughout the offices.
Subsequently the TDS office has become a site for arts fundraisers, with hundreds of people gathering in the public reception spaces. “We are looking forward to when we’re able to resume our events in the Northern Lights Lounge, hold meetings in our spacious meeting rooms, and enjoy spending time with peers in the gathering areas throughout the office,” says Keith LaBossiere, CEO and Managing Partner of TDS. The inherent beauty of the office easily segues into a glamorous setting after hours when the sky is navy velvet, the city lights are twinkling below and the stars can be seen above.
