Forward-thinking approach

with a focus on creativity and collaboration

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Hello design junkies,

We are very excited to show you the latest project M.A.D. Collectif (Mode, Arts et Divertissements) by Ivy Studio. A Montreal based creative studio that has been organising fashion, art and design-related events worldwide for over 20 years.

They found a 3600sf space on the ground floor of a two-storey building in the heart of the Village, one of the liveliest boroughs of Montreal. The objective for the new location was to focus on creativity and collaboration – a flexible space made for sharing ideas and working together.

This place was also seen as a great opportunity to put forward local artists and artisans. Meant for more than a simple office space and photo studio, it had to be able to host occasional events, exhibits, and pop-up shops.

M.A.D. by Ivy Studio GÇö Photo -¬ Alex Lesage 16.jpg

M.A.D. by Ivy Studio GÇö Photo -¬ Alex Lesage 12.jpg

M.A.D. by Ivy Studio GÇö Photo -¬ Alex Lesage 6.jpg

When entering the space, you walk directly into the café. There, a grandiose bar serves as a kitchen area for the staff during the day, and serving bar for evening events. A long banquette follows the peripheral walls and is used for dining, working or informal meetings.

There also is a flexible open space with a lounge used for photo shoots, videos or other types of content creation. The entire back half of the space was originally reinforced with concrete, making it almost two feet higher than the front. This height difference is used to separate the public areas at the front from the more formal work spaces.

The place is inspired by a ‘work in progress’ aesthetic, where the space feels like it is in a constant state of evolution. The entire space is meant to become a canvas for the creative work completed by M.A.D. and their collaborators.

The peripheral walls seem unfinished, with exposed metal studs going up to the ceiling. This backlit system spans almost the entire space and is used to display art, posters or any other graphic elements relative to M.A.D. events.

Aside from the round tables made of galvanized steel, all of the furniture is meant to contrast with the unpretentious canvas of rough construction materials. Even the typically modest shop stools and hay chairs are finished in bright lilac and deep forest green. We’d certainly love to enjoy brunch or sip on some cocktails here.

The overall design is inspired by M.A.D.s very own forward way of thinking. The mix of raw unfinished elements with typically luxurious materials goes against conventional design and creates an uncommon aesthetic, unique to the brand’s new identity.

If you enjoyed this article, you should check out our article Forever Young