FOUR REFINED RUGS ADD DIMENSION TO HYBRID WORK SPACE

One of the four rugs Creative Matters designed for The Canopy at CIBC Square. Photo: Gillian Jackson

In 2022 we welcomed the installation of a project started back in 2018 with Gensler Toronto. Four large, perfectly-designed rugs are now gracing a spacious, high-end lounge accessible to tenants of the new CIBC Square two-tower development in Toronto’s financial district. Named The Canopy, this area is designed to elevate the hybrid work experience. With all the artwork, furniture and rugs from Canadian design luminaries, the space is also an elegant expression of contemporary Canadian design.

Partner and project lead Ali McMurter enjoyed collaborating with Joy Charbonneau from Gensler. “She was wonderful to work with as she guided us with the design intent, shared finish swatches and granted us access to the space to help us choose the right colours,” said Ali. To create an atmosphere that invites conversation and collaboration, Gensler established purposeful seating zones designed to accommodate a variety of postures from soft welcoming sofas to harvest tables. “There were several layout options and we helped Gensler envision what they would look like in terms of design placement. Eventually we decided on four rugs - each approximately 5 m x 5 m - which were different sections of a larger overall design,” said Ali.

The floor plan indicating the positioning of the four rugs.

Design Development Director Anna Panosyan initiated the design itself. “Gensler wanted us to create an organic distressed surface reminiscent of a scratched, almost decaying rust-covered metal sheet,” said Anna.

Close-up with a rug sample that illustrates the rust-covered metal sheet effect requested by the client.

The desired effect was achieved using 10 colours. Ana Diosdado, Senior Designer and Assistant Project Manager, also worked on the design. “The colour palette comprised reddish browns, greys and a sprinkle of dark blue which coordinated well with the final finishes of the space,” she said.

A rug sample laid out in the Creative Matters studio along with samples of the finishes to ensure the rugs harmonized with the furniture, stonework and artwork in the space.

The rugs also had to harmonize with a magnificent installation by Toronto visual artist Steve Driscoll who created a six-panel LED backlit image of the place where a canopy of tree tops meets the sky.

The rugs were made in 100% nylon in cut pile using the dye-injected method of production with hand-bound edges. “Since the rugs were so large, we needed to find a technique that would allow us to use our original painterly design with a lower price point than a fully-handmade technique,” said Ali.

Another of the four rugs for this special space. Photo: Gillian Jackson

“Everyone was delighted with the rugs. Not only do they help achieve the intended vision, they create an interesting rhythm throughout the space,” said Ali.