This project’s design concept focuses on communication and connectivity across floors through an open and dynamic spatial system. The staircase is reimagined as a “social space,” replacing traditional staircases and encouraging users to explore the building in a more interactive and personalized manner.
Design Challenge
Mercado Libre, the largest e-commerce company in Latin America, established its new headquarters in the renovated former Philips building. Spanning 21,570 square meters over nine floors, each floor covers approximately 4,500 square meters. The design challenge was to create a flexible workspace that inspires creativity and enhances employee capabilities. Our goal was to design a youthful, innovative, and uniquely styled space that fully reflects Mercado Libre’s corporate identity.
We designed a multifunctional, mobile, and adaptable public space that promotes teamwork while also allowing for individual skill development and learning. Viewing the office as a whole building—not just individual floors—the “social staircase” is central to integrating the various functional areas throughout the project.
Connectivity is key. Several connection points between floors were established to foster interaction. This new type of communication space lets employees experience the office as an open whole and encourages direct ideological exchange and a dynamic work pace. Unlike traditional, static circulation spaces, this design embraces non-linear movement. With two connection points on each floor, employees can navigate the nine-story building via different routes.
△ Analysis chart
The conceptual core is located on the 6th floor, where the staircase transforms into a lecture hall and can even serve as a large open-air theater. This level houses the main public and reception areas. Artistic beauty is conveyed through the integration of diverse materials and textures, creating a rich, multi-layered spatial experience. Another essential concept is the use of vegetation: vertical partitions formed by green walls and indoor plants provide privacy and quiet zones, ideal for meetings.
△ Analysis chart
The interior design’s material palette mainly features wood, glass, plants, and artworks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glass partitions promote openness and visual communication while allowing ample natural light. Flooring combines plastic and natural wood, complemented by modular carpets and custom designs, enhancing comfort and flexibility.
Energy efficiency and rapid vertical movement are design priorities. The building has earned LEED Platinum certification, reflecting sustainable design principles integrated throughout both structure and office spaces. The innovative concept of a mobile, dynamic space fosters a strong sense of belonging among employees, transforming the way they interact with their environment.
Design Drawings
△ Plan view
△ Plan view
△ Plan view
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Building nodes
Project Information
Project Type: Office Facilities
Location: Saavedra, Argentina
Architectural Design: BMA Arquitectos, Estudio Elia Irastorza, Methanoia
Area: 21,570 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographers: Gustavo Sosa Pinilla, Ioana Menendez, Azul Zorraquin
Suppliers: Hunter Douglas, Interface, Actiu, Aistec, Arper, AutoDesk, Barrisol, Buzzispace, Cavaletti, Contract, Desso/Tarkett, Diana Cabeza, Do Arq, Donner, Extremis, FAUNA, Godino – Mudelin, Haworth, Herman Miller, Hub Lighting +15
Design Team: Paula de Elia, Milagros Irastorza, Camila Pringles Granel, Lucila Pintos, Soledad Lanus, Agustina Vilar, Belen Fernandez Trejo, Martín Bodas, Jorge Castro, Gonzalo Couto, Roberto Fleitas, Hernán Cortés, Ana Laura Martinez, Belen Claria, Facundo Cruz, Paula Tavella, María Weisburd, Luciana Ocampo, Juan Rico, Agustin Rico, Roberto Fuenzalida, Agustina Borro, Ariel Stekar, Sofia Moneta
Construction Supervision: Paula de Elia, Milagros Irastorza, Mariano Schilman, Camila Pringles Granel, Lucila Pintos, Soledad Lanus, Agustina Vilar, Maria Weisburd
Construction Management: Cushman & Wakefield – Valeria Hecht, Martín Arbeletche, Susana Bayley, Guillermo Azporszegui, Agostina Bianco De Natale, Agustina Milefanti, Maia Chorubczyk
Client: Mercado Libre
Main Contractor: Contract Workplaces – Marcelo Abella, Mariela Ciaciarello, Juan Ignacio Passera, Leandro Mazzeo
Engineer: Estudio AHFSA (Alberto Faisentein)
Landscape Design: Estudio Bulla
Lighting Design: Arturo Peruzotti
Thermal Consultant: Estudio Echevarría – Romano
Electrical Consultant: Estudio Mackinlay Vignaroly
Acoustic Consultant: Alberto Haedo
Health Consultant: Estudio Labonia
Sustainability Consultant: Andres Schwarz – NRG AR
Logo Design: Madre+Atlas
Artwork: Timoteo Lacroze, 1+1 Studio
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