Mason Studio reimagines its Toronto workspace "for the higher good"

Toronto interiors agency Mason Studio has redesigned its workplaces to supply group programming like exhibitions, occasions and different public-facing actions.

Mason Studio relaunched its workspace as a brand new hybrid workplace and cultural hub to serve “the higher good” throughout the DesignTO pageant earlier this yr.

Mason Studio has redesigned its two-storey workplace constructing to function each a workspace and a cultural group hub

In addition to an workplace for the studio’s staff members, the constructing in Pelham Park now operates as a gallery area, group library, fabrication hub, experimentation area for non-profits and a espresso bar to call a number of.

“At present’s workplace is not only a place for work, however reasonably an area for dialog and discourse, an area for inspiration and rejuvenation, and an area for group to get entangled, and collect and share data,” mentioned the staff.

Orange outline of a house suspended above pastel-coloured furniture — The area hosts quite a lot of exhibitions, installations and occasions, together with An Optimistic Future pictured right here

The 2-storey, industrial type constructing is basically adorned white, with curtains used to divide the assorted areas and features.

A double-height atrium can home artworks and installations, that are in a position to be suspended from the ceiling beams.

Architectural materials laid out on a large table — A supplies library is open to native architects and designers

Among the many areas throughout the constructing is a plant-filled examine backyard upstairs, the place stools and chairs are positioned round mossy tables that sprout foliage from their centres.

“The greenery and pure components of the backyard create a way of tranquility, which helps cut back stress and enhance total well-being,” mentioned Mason Studio.

A plant-filled study area — The examine backyard permits staff and group members to work and skim among the many greenery

An open supplies library may be utilised by native architects and designers, and a “give-one-take-one” ebook library is open to all group members.

Mason Studio additionally hosts storytime periods for the kids of their staff and different group members. “This experiment was a reminder of how very important play is as a instrument to socialize, study and focus — even within the office,” the staff mentioned.

Tables with plants that sprout from their centres — White curtains are used to divide the constructing’s varied features and areas

Through the annual Toronto design pageant DesignTO, Mason Studio hosted a sequence of installations and activations to create an area the place guests “may expertise an optimistic imaginative and prescient of the longer term”.

For instance, a short lived pay-what-you-want cafe donated any funds collected to native non-profit organisations.

“These kinds of new facilities not solely stimulate native economies but in addition contribute to the cultural vitality of the group,” mentioned Mason Studio.

The inaugural artwork set up in The Gallery at Mason Studio, a collaborative effort named Full Moon Mirrored On The Ocean At 01:34, comprised a large glowing orb that was mirrored on sheets of fan-blown mylar cloth.

Two rows of wooden desks with bookshelves above — A group library and workspace is obtainable as a useful resource

In March 2023, the studio partnered with Toronto-based up to date artwork gallery Cooper Cole Gallery to current works by rising BIPOC and marginalised artists within the area.

Then in April, The Gallery at Mason Studio hosted Canadian artist Kadrah Mensah’s exhibition titled Certainly, You are Joking, which included video, sculpture, and installations supposed to normalise digital physique manipulation.

A glowing white sphere reflected in shiny material below — The Gallery at Mason Studio’s inaugural set up comprised a big glowing sphere mirrored in fan-blown mylar sheets under

Mason Studio was based over a decade in the past by Stanley Solar and Ashley Rumsey, who’ve since accomplished tasks that vary from a cloud-like set up to the interiors of the Kimpton Saint George resort.

The newest version of DesignTO, Toronto’s citywide celebration of design, occurred from 20-29 January 2023. Discover extra design occasions, talks and installations on the Dezeen Occasions Information.

The images is by Scott Norsworthy.