IDRC”s office at the World Exchange Plaza in downtown Ottawa has been recognized by the Ottawa Business Journal as one of the best in the city. Quoting the article:
“Upon entering the International Development Research Centre’s office in downtown Ottawa, one is greeted by a display of artifacts, from a three-foot-tall fertility statue of a woman to ornate vases and framed photographs. These artifacts, gifted by clients from around the world, set the mood and tone for the IDRC’s head office. Then one might notice the soothing blues and greens and then an assortment of interwoven patterns proliferating the space that bring to mind textiles. All of these details were selected to represent the global nature of IDRC’s work, as well as one of the elements that unifies humanity – textiles.”
“In addition to the soothing atmosphere, there is also a display wall for all publications circulated by the IDRC, which highlights work that is sometimes not necessarily somebody sees all the way through, says (interior designer Olivia) Carmichael. “It is adjacent to the communal area where those finished products are accessible, and somebody can close the loop on their work and go and see what the final product looked like. They can bring it into the Rafiki Lounge and review the product and see where their work ended. And then it is also on display in the public area where other guests can view that information,” she adds.“
Bulletin 75
January 2025