The Manitoba Association of Architects began a development program for a new office space in 2021. The program included enhancing their regulatory mandate to include sharing space with like-minded non-profit groups and supporting engagement of the membership with their professions partners, the University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture, the urban design community and the construction industry. The focus of the premise search was the historic preservation area of Winnipeg, the Exchange District. The Great-West Life Assurance Company constructed 177 Lombard a four storey building in 1911, the building was expanded by four storeys in 1922 using an advanced steel frame and fireproof construction, the building is consistent with the Beaux-Arts style banking halls constructed in Winnipeg at the beginning of the 20th century in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, it is a designated Heritage Building with controls to regulate alterations to character defining historic elements. The Association chose to relocate their offices to 177 Lombard, the main floor, a tenant unit that was originally occupied by the insurance company, thereafter commercial uses, concluding with a nightclub but now vacant for 15 years. The space was voluminous, proportionally awkward, dark and tired, the high ceiling, the narrow width to length is an uncomfortable proportion for office use although an asset for public gatherings given the 3,715 square feet of area. The large south facing windows on Lombard are confronted by the 30 storey Richardson Building across the street, of the five large windows facing north two were enclosed in a private room and three had been infilled to accommodate public washrooms. The principal historic aspects of the space are the expansive windows, the ceiling bays with cornice and dentil and the centre colonnade all of which were compromised to some degree by previous tenants. Considering the historic architecture of the space and the need for natural light the design studies focused on open space defined by the perimeter walls, the original ceiling, the colonnade, the original floor and windows reclaimed to reveal the spatial potential and inform design opportunities. The design intent became to embed an independent 21st century use into a restored 19th century space.

The design studies considered an office pavilion along the west wall, framed with glazed demountable partitions, ceiling panels of variable height organized around and within the pavilion. Alcoves between the office pavilion and the colonnade would act as informal gathering areas enhanced by the expansive corridor that links the private staff area to the north and the public area to the south. The board room has a folding glass wall to expand the use into the public event area. The work area is controlled by a mid-height glass wall with sliding doors. The resulting organization created an uninterrupted flow of space and light from north to south with a clear demarcation of public and private use while retaining the historic character of the space. A service pavilion located along the east wall provides the necessary support areas. To achieve the open space pavilion design with integrated mechanical and electrical systems a structural aluminum ceiling grid was sourced. The system is a modular grid using aluminum framing members connected to steel rods secured to epoxy ceiling anchors. The framing grid is a continuous beam sections cross braced at 4’ intervals forming the 4’ x 4’ structural grid. The grid is overlaid into the flat panels of the ceiling bays leaving the historic detailing, windows and colonnade untouched. The grid supports the mechanical ductwork, the sprinkler lines, the electrical cabling and lighting, the suspended ceiling clouds in the open areas, the suspended ceilings in the enclosed office areas and the audio-visual cabling, camera and speakers. The result is a visual complexity that enhances the spatial flow and natural light now unencumbered by full height walls and bulkheads. The design was refined to coordinate the pavilions, the ceiling grid and the material finishes and furnishings. The Manitoba Association of Architects occupied the space in July of 2023 and hosted the members and guests at an open house in September. The Winnipeg Architectural Foundation leased a workspace and has organized lectures on historic architecture and sponsored film events; A continuing education session was held for members. The Downtown BIZ organization held a media event to announce their planning directions for downtown development. The new office is a relaxed, sophisticated space that supports a diverse set of uses while maintaining a distinction between the regulatory mandate of the Association and a public outreach ambition.

Courtesy of Andrew Wach Architects