Government Agency: Challenging the stereotype of a ‘government office’

Kasian’s design of a new workplace for a Government of Canada agency with offices nationwide was guided by their new workplace standards. The vision for modernization is called GC workplace, based on seven core principles: flexible, healthy, efficient, inclusive, collaborative, digital, and sustainable workplaces.  With this Activity-Based Workplace model, we delivered a solution tailored to the needs of their 200 Edmonton-based employees informed by listening to what mattered most to them.

Inspired by the city’s urban landscape, the open office is filled with natural light and anchored by a vibrant lobby featuring a backlit mural of the downtown skyline and River Valley Bridge. At its heart, a central core reflects the energy of downtown Edmonton and connects to themed ‘neighbourhood’ collaboration zones – each with its own identity inspired by iconic local destinations like Whyte Avenue and William Hawrelak Park.

Double-layered glass with black and white city photography creates an immersive 3D effect, grounding the space in its urban context. Local artwork and photography sourced from Edmonton vendors enhance each zone, reinforcing a sense of place and community.

The workplace fosters collaboration, celebrates local culture, and cultivates a strong sense of belonging, setting a new benchmark for the national agency’s workplace strategy.