This Office was designed based on studies and tools of neuroarchitecture, biophilic design, and environmental psychology to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of workers.

Surveys and interviews were conducted with the employer and employees to understand the personalities of each area, and the company’s culture. The project was then arranged according to the worker’s needs, as well as the company’s values and identity. For example, as the technical area requires more sustained focus it was placed on the first floor, while the dynamic area was organized on the second floor.

The colors and shapes followed this rationale. The first floor featured different shades of blue and straight lines, while terracotta and curved lines were chosen for the second floor.

As the technical area was placed in a double-height space, a low ceiling feel was created with some domes over the tables. Thus, the beauty of the wide space was maintained as well as favoring focus (lower ceilings help with concentration).

To support the staff’s biological needs, all office tables were placed in illuminated areas and oriented so workers could have a frontal or peripheral view of the sky or their garden (with plants, a fruit tree and a water fountain). To nourish aconnection with nature, many plants were placed inside the office (some in the care of the employees). Also, the environment was enriched with organized complexity, natural materials and a fractal idea between the wood panel rips and the rebars, with the same angles of inclination.

To create identification, emotional connection, and materialize their values, materials and pictures related to the company were featured as a rebar panel, brick and concrete, pictures of their constructions, glasses and visible cables and wires.

Also, as organization was identified as a weakness of the company, cabinets were designed to reduce clutter, improve workflow and the hiring of a personal organizer was suggested to help them store and maintain the materials.

Finally, regarding sustainability, some materials they already had were used, such as: glass from the existing guardrail, part of the carpet, conduits, screws, and dowels. Reclaimed Peroba wood was used on the deck, the white paint used is eco-friendly silicate-based, the director’s table was made using the rest of a marble slab, and the bathroom floor tiles were bought from a social project called “Good dumpster”, where donated construction leftovers are sold to help social actions.

Therefore, the design and the construction of this office included the principles of well-being, contact with nature and sustainability. Besides beauty, this project is one example how architecture can be used to improve the quality of life from the built environments.