Boston Consulting Group (BCG) | 2018-2022

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Architects: HOK
Director of Interiors: Caitlin Turner
Client: Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Photographers: Klassen Photography and Karl Hipolito 

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global consulting firm that helps leaders in business and society address their most pressing issues. The design team wanted employees and visitors entering the space to immediately understand that BCG is part of the community of leaders shaping Canada’s future, with environmental sustainability at the forefront of the design.

The building in which the space is located has earned a WELL Health-Safety Rating. It also will attain LEED Platinum Core & Shell certification and WELL Platinum Certification. The space supports BCG’s commitment to address climate change, both in its client work and own operations. A complimentary primary goal for the design was to create a work environment that enriches the lives of BCG’s staff.

The space needed to “give back” with employee health and wellness as important as it’s low impact to the environment. Mechanical and electrical upgrades to the space were implemented to increase the flow of fresh air, with low-flow fixtures, and circadian lighting to cut down on energy costs. The circadian lighting minimizes disruptions to people’s natural systems while enhancing productivity. With open spaces placed along the perimeter, daylight can come in and filter through the space. Electric lighting fixtures are high-end LED. Much of the lighting is user-controlled and dimmable.

BCG’s commitment to employee health and wellness can be seen in a variety of features throughout the space. These include a state of the art gym and bike storage to encourage movement and physical fitness and transportation that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases. Nourishment stations stocked with healthy snacks, premium coffee and kombucha taps make it easy for employees to access healthy food and drinks. Wellness rooms include shower facilities with towel service, a mother’s room, therapy rooms including vitamin D light therapy, and sound therapy rooms. All wellness rooms have green walls, plants and vitamin D lamps.

Other biophilic design elements include graphics and use of natural materials including rich woods and stone. The prayer room is equipped with a space where mental health councilors can meet with staff to provide mental health services. With much of the project designed and built during quarantine, this was an opportunity to demonstrate that the office wasn’t “dead.” Instead, the new space demonstrates that the post-COVID office can enhance health and wellness, productivity and innovation.