The "green desking", or green office, an innovation originating from Canada, is generating significant interest as the warmer days approach. Unlike the concept of an outdoor school, this practice aims to occasionally and beneficially relocate office employees to green environments in urban settings. In a context where open space and flex offices have become the norm, green desking could represent a new way of working, offering an experience closer to nature even in urban environments. A true dream in Montreal.
Montreal, a city already rich in coworking spaces, saw the emergence of this green office concept in 2017. Philippe Pelletier, co-founder of Aire Commune agency and the driving force behind this transformation, explains that the idea originated in the creative Mile-End neighborhood. The initial trials were successful, with outdoor workspaces during the day and event spaces at night. However, the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 disrupted everything, prompting Montreal residents to discover the importance of outdoor work.
Thus, the Aire Commune agency launched a new project: the "summer islands." These outdoor work modules, free and without reservation, experienced tremendous success. In 2022, they attracted 100,000 users, spread across 40 islands scattered throughout the city. This initiative promotes social interactions among independent workers and offers the benefits of outdoor work.
Studies have shown that working outdoors improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. In a world where nearly half of office workers lack access to natural light, green desking appears to be a true revolution.
Buoyed by this success, the Quebec agency has launched a new offering aimed at professionals and businesses. The "Summer Stations" are privatized meeting spaces equipped for video conferences, installed in glass containers. This initiative aims to attract employees back to the city center after the pandemic. Discussions are underway to export this concept to Toronto. And why not "islands" in major French cities?
