McKinsey & Company, Toronto

This three-storey Canadian corporate headquarters for McKinsey & Company, the leading international management consulting firm, whose business model is based on the premise that strategic design can be a tool to enhance the effectiveness of business environments. The building is designed to be a reflection of the McKinsey working methodology and to promote excellence by encouraging increased interaction, in the belief that creativity is grown through interactivity. This new office building is a compelling story in many ways, its well-considered urban design concepts with generous landscaped areas in the midst of a dense downtown Toronto block respect its urban site. It takes a ‘campus style’ as it integrates with bustling Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Transparency plays a key role in the facade, thoughtfully engaging with the neighbourhood. A carefully executed fast-track construction achieved through an innovative project delivery, and congenial interior spaces supportive of a creative work environment, reflect the innovative gestures of both McKinsey and HPA. To reflect McKinsey’s cutting edge business model, an architectural concept called “the hive” was developed for the ground floor central meeting space. The hive was created mostly for internal presentations and celebrations. It’s the place for the McKinsey teams to celebrate their victories, to come together for inspiration and to have fun; on a day to day basis it is a place to casually interact and share ideas. The hive is the centre of group activity, and there are quieter breakout areas at its perimeter. Throughout the building, there are fireplaces and informal sitting areas, warming and enlivening the more structured meeting rooms.