AstraZeneca is a leading global pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines. Its Buenos Aires headquarters is located in the DOT Building, strategically positioned in the northern area of the city, offering excellent accessibility. When the company decided to renovate its offices to modernize its brand identity and align the local workspace with AstraZeneca’s global standards, it entrusted Contract Workplaces with the project, relying on its expertise and deep knowledge of the local market.
The new design retains its original 1,613 sqm footprint and is guided by principles of flexibility, sustainability, and inclusion, with the goal of creating a contemporary and collaborative environment. Spaces dedicated to wellbeing and focus were incorporated, along with common areas and quiet zones designed to support neurodiversity. The overall concept reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and purpose. The aim was to create a modern, identity-driven environment consistent with AstraZeneca’s global offices—innovative, visually engaging, and aligned with its culture and values, integrating concepts such as biophilia, inclusion, and sustainability.
Employee wellbeing was placed at the core of the project, prioritizing acoustic comfort, access to natural light, and spatial quality. To achieve these objectives, the typology of operational workstations was redesigned and complemented by new support spaces that encourage collaboration, including a town hall, informal meeting areas, coffee points, and lounge spaces. At the same time, individual work needs were addressed through the addition of phone booths and enclosed rooms designed for tasks requiring greater concentration.
The layout configuration combines two clearly defined zones. The curved portion of the floor plate houses the open-plan operational area, with workstations strategically positioned along the perimeter to maximize natural light and exterior views. The central area accommodates open collaborative spaces, phone booths, and informal meeting areas that promote interaction. The linear sector contains enclosed private offices, meeting rooms, a training area, and the dining space.
The company adopted a hybrid work model with unassigned seating and no desk reservation system, although meeting rooms require prior booking. An open workspace was also designated for the CEO, complemented by a priority-use meeting room that does not require reservation.
Circulation was designed to be fluid and intentional, encouraging spontaneous encounters among teams. Furniture selection follows the same logic: versatile and flexible pieces capable of adapting to everyday dynamics, in line with the client’s vision of a modern, efficient, and people-centered workplace. Among the standout spaces is the Town Hall—an area equipped with tiered seating and audiovisual systems, with capacity for 80 people—designed to host company-wide meetings, training sessions, and workshops.
In terms of aesthetics, the project incorporates a neutral color palette based on various shades of gray in flooring and carpets, combined with white and wood-look melamine finishes, creating an environment that is both understated and warm. Textile accents in the brand’s colors add identity and dynamism without overwhelming the space. The selected materials contribute texture and visual comfort, fostering a sense of wellbeing and professionalism essential for an environment intended to motivate and connect its users.
Accessibility was addressed through a comprehensive analysis of the entire floor plate. Wide circulation paths, adapted restrooms, and flexible work areas were designed to facilitate the integration of individuals with diverse abilities, ensuring a comfortable, inclusive, and accessible environment for all. In this way, the new headquarters supports AstraZeneca’s ongoing evolution while translating its global guidelines into a clear, cohesive spatial proposal tailored to the local context.
