Arcos del Sur SRL is a subsidiary of Arcos Dorados, the largest McDonald's franchise in Latin America. The company, which provides support services to various markets in the region, has been operating in the WTC Free Zone in Montevideo since its inception.
Determined to continue providing excellent service, allowing clients to focus on the strategic activities of their business, the company decided to relocate its regional managers to a new office. To carry out this initiative, Arcos del Sur chose a floor within the same WTC Free Zone complex, but in a building offering better amenities and larger usable space. The company also received support from Contract Workplaces throughout the entire process.
The project was developed on an 800 m² elliptical floor plan, which was organized into two large sectors based on the requirements of different activities. On one side, a formal area was set up, dedicated to the managers' offices along with a variety of meeting rooms. On the other side, spaces for collaborative tasks were placed, such as the operational area configured in open space, a multipurpose area, and small meeting rooms, all designed with a colorful and informal aesthetic.
The various sectors are connected by an elliptical circulation path parallel to the building's façade, surrounding the central core. This structure, clad in light-colored wood, accompanies the path and gains prominence with its organic curves, which are repeated in the flooring and plant planters. Along the way, the morphology of this core adapts to the different needs of the sectors it encompasses: a bench in the waiting and reception area, sofas for informal meetings, planters, and perforations in the glass facades.
At one of the ends, along the major axis of the ellipse, a multipurpose area was created that offers amenities and services aimed at improving the work experience and the well-being of the team. It features a café, a games and relaxation area, spaces for socializing, etc., with the added advantage of a movable partition that allows the space to be divided.
The project's aesthetic uses a warm color palette, dominated by wood, yellow, and various earth tones. In the common areas (open space, circulation, multipurpose area), the exposed slab was painted black, while in the service area, offices, and meeting rooms, a white gypsum ceiling was chosen.
To complete the design, modular carpet flooring in shades of gray and beige was applied, along with vinyl flooring with a wood finish in the break area. Additionally, acoustic baffles in different tones were incorporated into the circulation area surrounding the core, adding dynamism and color to the space.
It is worth noting that the project incorporated the concept of biophilia as a main design strategy from the beginning. This was achieved by including a large variety of plants highlighted through the use of artificial lighting. The presence of plants increases employee well-being and productivity, improves indoor air quality, and is beneficial for mental health.
As for the lighting, all workstations are located along the perimeter of the floor plan, offering stunning views of the outdoors and abundant natural light. However, special attention was paid to the use of anti-glare artificial lighting.
With this careful integration of functional design and welcoming aesthetics, the project not only optimizes the work environment but also creates a space that inspires well-being and productivity in every corner.
