The Very Best of Killer Spaces of 2016

And what a year it’s been. There have been many changes at Techvibes in 2016, and our new series Killer Spaces has been one of our favourites. We took a look back on the year to bestow each amazing office with its own special nod.

Best Game Room: Shopify Toronto

Shopify has made it a core tenet to seek out and build out spaces that inspire big thinking. That strategy has brought the company success, but equally what is all that work if you can’t also play once in a while? Their Toronto office offers several guitars, foosball and ping pong tables, a red-bull fridge and a full suite of video game systems all tucked in a low ceiling space to keep the noise low. Care to foos, anyone?

Best Office Rooftop: Casper NYC

These folks spend their entire day trying to give you a better sleep. Who then is more deserving of a little rooftop R&R than the breakfast-minded folks at Casper’s Park Avenue office?

Best Office Lounge: Hootsuite Vancouver

This mountain-lodge lounge is just one of many spaces where Hootsuite’s “Owls” can rest, work or play. Cuddle up with one of many office pooches, a beanbag chair and a fresh cappuccino.

Best Office Gym: Ubisoft Toronto

Ubisoft Toronto helps build the best titles in the gaming business, and backs up that might in their U.Fit gym space. Located directly in the office the facility is available to all staff morning, noon & night.

Best Cafe: Microsoft Vancouver

The late risers at Microsoft Vancouver worry-not about their caffeine fix, greeted in their office foyer by a professional barista pulling fresh 49th Parallel espresso. A good morning indeed.

Best Office View: Salesforce Toronto

How many different ways are there to say sun-soaked? The Salesforce team has several places catch a view of Lake Ontario and the beautiful Toronto Lakeshore with views in every direction.

Best History: HP Labs Palo Alto

HP Labs celebrated 50 years in 2016, welcoming our cameras into their historic spaces including the original garage where it all began. Adjacent to HP Inc’s global HQ is the original HP Labs where Hewlett & Packard’s offices are preserved in immaculate detail.

Best Quiet Space: Wattpad Toronto

Who is better suited than Wattpad to have a lofted quiet space? The Wattpad team are frequently found upstairs catching up on emails, light reading and even the occasional nap.

Best Office Bar: theChive Austin

Is this one really a surprise? The Austin-based media company is pouring craft brews, top shelf spirits and mimosa’s for Friday morning brunch.

Best Yoga Studio: Hubba Toronto

This surprising escape overlooks the bustling lower Spadina street, but that noise fades away in Hubba’s prime yoga space filled with the afternoon sun.

Best Common Space: 1871 Chicago

With more than 6000 members, 1871 gateway space is known as The Commons featuring 24-hour access, phone booths, meeting rooms, reception, a help-yourself snack bar and a Freshii Cafe.

Best Boardroom: Savant NYC

The first name in premium home automation left no tech untouched in their Chelsea office boardroom. Outfitted with privacy glass, automatic blackout windows, premium presentation tools, 5.1 surround sound and pre-programmed ‘scenes’ this boardroom easily takes top-spot.

Best Office Reception: BrainStation Toronto

This entryway is a classic-but-modern example of when less truly is more. BrainStation welcomes its student off the street into a vaulted brick foyer with western exposure, filling the space with morning light and a view of the CN Tower. At night, the space truly shines as their signature Brain logo welcoming patrons for evening classes.