Creating an innovative creative space: transforming Collège Saint-Hilaire’s library and Fab Lab with Formica® products

The aim was to create a space that would be both soothing and stimulating for students and foster an environment conducive to concentration and creativity.

Taktik Design set out to design a range of made-to-measure furniture that would fit into the limited space, while meeting the various needs of the library and Fab Lab, the latter being a workshop where students have access to digital fabrication tools to create objects or work on robotics.

Benches, worktables, planters, shelves, and storage solutions were designed to optimize the use of space. The multiple needs and limited space added significant complexity to the design and production of the furniture, which challenged the design team to be creative and innovative.

To lend a warm feel and move away from the typical institutional look, the designers chose Formica^® laminates Hard Rock Maple (86992-58) (furniture) and Winter Sky (8792-58) (bookcase end panels and insides). Mixing these two designs and adding a wide variety of green plants created a harmonious space and an atmosphere conducive to learning and creativity. Laminate was the ideal surface for this project, as it was essential to use a material that was durable and could withstand frequent cleaning and intensive use, which is often the case in educational establishments.

Despite facing a few challenges, including the design of bespoke furniture, the project to transform Collège Saint-Hilaire's library and Fab Lab into an immersive learning space was a success. The clever use of Formica^® products created a space that perfectly met the client's expectations, offering not only functional solutions but also a warm aesthetic. "When I first saw the Hard Rock Maple laminate, I was convinced that it was real wood because the grain is so true to life,” says Nicola Tardif Bourdages, the project manager. "We're really proud of the result, and we're convinced that the space we've created will remain warm and beautiful for many years to come.”

Taktik Design