The ground floor of the complex is intended to be largely mercantile in nature. It is expected that it shall include, at least:

- a cafe
- a computer store
- a depanneur
- a newsagent or tabagie

Space for additional mercantile services may be provided, space permitting, in anticipation of further tenants.

Due to the changeable nature of the offices (tenants come and tenants go), the design of the floors above shall not in fact incorporate partition walls and separate offices. Each floor of the complex shall be designed as an open area, with the understanding that individual tenants may divide up the space as they see fit. (A sample company shall be used to investigate possible office layouts.)

However, certain core requirements on each floor must be observed:

1a) The first of these is the bathroom requirement.

As a business occupancy, it is expected that there would be 1 person for every 9.3 square metres of floor area (National Building Code, Table 3.1.16.1). Based on this, and on the provisions for washrooms in the National Building Code, Table 3.7.4.2.B. for business occupancies, it is expected that washrooms should be provided as following:

Up to 232.5 square metres: 1 water closet for each sex
232.5 to 465 square metres: 2 water closets for each sex
465 to 930 square metres: 3 water closets for each sex
1 additional water closet for each sex, for every additional increment of 465 square metres

At least one water closet for each sex should be designed for wheelchair accessibility.

As it has been noted that people in the tech industry often work late, showers should also be provided. It is estimated that there need only be half as many showers as there are water closets in each washroom.

It is expected that there should be at least 2000 square metres of total open office space, spread over as many floors as necessary. However, the building should be not higher than the Godin building next to it.

1b) The second requirement is the consideration of fire exits.

The National Building Code requires at least one fire exit for every 200 square metres of floor area, if the area is unsprinklered (Table 3.4.2.1.A.). If the area is to be sprinklered, the requirement would then be one fire exit for every 300 square metres of floor area (Table 3.4.2.1.B.).

In addition, the width of exit corridors and fire stairs should be at least 1.1 metres.

2) Supplementary Interior Programme

A small internet company wishes to rent some space on one floor of the building. Its requirements are as follows:

1 CEO office - 15 sm
2 Administrative offices - 12 sm each
2 Marketing executive offices - 2 sm each
Office space for 5 technicians, possibly open - 45 sm
Office space for 1 web designer, possibly open - 9 sm
Reception area - 25 sm
Lunch room - 20 sm
Meeting room - 20 sm
Server room - 8 sm

Total - 190 sm

This company is expanding, and may require the addition of one more administrative or marketing office, and space for three more technicians and one more web designer.

A variety of overlays detailing various possible solutions should be provided, along with possible routes for the proposed expansion.

3) Exterior Programme

The access to the Just For Laughs museum on St-Laurent Boulevard should be considered. A courtyard should also be provided, with space for outdoor activity. It is anticipated that the cafe may spill out into the exterior in the summer months, and this should be considered as well.

Because of the slope of the ground, a solution should be devised to bring people from the higher elevation of Sherbrooke and Clarke to the lower elevation on St-Laurent Boulevard. This may incorporate stairs, ramps, or any combination thereof.