CORE Architects New Offices

CORE moved to 317 Adelaide Street West in 1996. Occupying a modest 2,000 sq. ft. office on the sixth floor, it would become our home for the next twenty-two years. During that time the office would grow from its three founding principals to a staff of over one-hundred employees, eventually occupying the entire 10,000 sq. ft. on the sixth floor. The continued growth of the firm has now necessitated that we finally leave the entertainment district and move to a new 20,000 sq. ft. office located at 130 Queens Quay East, part of The Daniels Waterfront.

The Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts will be a fully connected community that enhances arts, culture and innovation in Toronto. Its design seamlessly incorporates living, work, and leisure.  The new offices will occupy the entire seventh floor, with breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. It will feature a custom modern open concept design by CORE Architects that blends with the building’s exterior warehouse typology.

The design intent was to echo the warehouse typology and take advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows through an open concept design. The use of exposed concrete and piping, black accents, and polished concrete flooring accentuated the industrial warehouse design philosophy. The sharp contrast achieved through the juxtaposition of black and white gives the office an undeniably sleek and modern feel. The décor introduces a soft and natural colour palette of sandbar, alloy, milk, and char to complement the prevailing tones. The office embodies the firm’s work-play culture with the addition of a golf simulator and espresso bar.

As the floor-plate is angled in such a way that even from the west view, you can see both the city and the water, each desk in the office benefits from the views and natural light. On the south side of the building, beautiful views overlooking Sugar Beach. The intent behind the design was to create an environment that was reflective of the firm’s transparent and intimate work culture. The open and dynamic workspace is designed to encourage discussion and teamwork.

Exterior Renders Courtesy of The Daniels Corporation