Architect：MM18 Arquitetura

Location：São Paulo, Brazil; | ;View Map

Project Year：2023

Category：Offices

With approximately 10,000 square meters and a triple-height ceiling of 15 meters, the new headquarters of Nubank was designed within one of the bays of an old warehouse belonging to the Votorantim group in Vila Leopoldina. The space has been retrofitted by the MM18 Architecture firm, led by architects Marcos Caldeira and Mila Strauss. The project, named Nubank-Spark, was conceived considering the horizontality of the complex and its industrial structure, aiming to reconcile Nubank's commitment to integrating with local architecture and immersing its team in its culture.

The result is the materialization of a dynamic and integrated work environment that smoothly aligns with the neighborhood's characteristics, taking into account the master plan and business perspectives of Vila Leopoldina, which is gradually evolving into a technological hub due to its proximity to universities and creative agencies in the region. For the implementation of the program requirements, the firm delved into the company's culture, which values knowledge exchange and a diversity of connections, reflected in the new headquarters designed to accommodate around 1,700 people, including employees, partners, and collaborators.

The space comprises a ground floor of 4,400 square meters and three customized mezzanines, each of 1,320 square meters. The program includes 750 formal workstations, meeting rooms of various sizes, shared and individual workspaces, kitchens, dining areas, meeting plazas, relaxation areas, and a health center. Right at the main entrance, one can catch a glimpse of the purpose of this new space: its entrance is open to the public and features a NuCafé to welcome visitors. This area on the ground floor was designed by the architects to be a meeting place, strengthening bonds and fostering interaction among teams in the post-pandemic period, where the work model is hybrid. A DayOne area - an auditorium with capacity for up to 400 people - was allocated there to accommodate in-person events with the teams.

Over there, there is also the 'Nu Plaza,' a space designed to be a center of integration, innovation, and collaboration. The integration of natural elements, such as green islands, helps create a healthy and inspiring environment. Additionally, preserving the natural lighting from the roof reinforces the environmental commitment of the project, which is also explored in other aspects, such as maximizing the use of existing structures and facilities, thereby reducing waste generation.

"An organic entity that allows the adaptation of spaces according to the needs of all who occupy it. For this reason, the materials used have a long lifespan, and the elements were chosen and arranged in a way that they can be easily and quickly modified over time," explains Mila Strauss, architect and partner at MM18.

Among the original elements of the building, the burnt cement on the walls and ceiling was preserved, while contemporary elements were added. This is the case with the honeycomb ceiling, which helps delineate the areas according to its design. An existing spiral staircase connects the mezzanines, which received different layouts for uses and forms of work. On these three floors, workstations were arranged, grouped between meeting rooms of different capacities, booths, phone booths, relaxation spaces, and informal open meeting areas. The luminaires, with a linear and curved language and different applications, sometimes pendant, sometimes overlapping, reinforce the variety of the layout.

Spaces with acoustic isolation, incorporating elements such as antechambers and double layers, were installed in the auditorium, while acoustic covering materials such as ceilings and wall panels were applied to enhance comfort and intelligibility in the workspaces and facilitate more private meetings and exchanges on a daily basis. The landscaping also played an important role in the project's conception, bringing plants such as the philodendron xanadu, snake plant, lady palm, monstera deliciosa, and philodendron cascade into the corporate space.

The result is a welcoming project that expresses a commitment to equitable participation. It's a space that strengthens and fosters collaboration among directors, partners, and collaborators, driving innovative strategic decisions over time. A diverse headquarters, designed for knowledge exchange and team integration, creating real connections and offering a true open and comfortable experience of Nubank's values.

Architecture/Interiors: MM18 Arquitetura + Nubank

Retrofit: Argis Arquitetura

Management and Construction: Tetris

Photo Credit: Manuel Sá

Project Management: CBRE

Furniture: Mackey

Visual Communication: Bijari

Art: Ronah

MEP: Interativa

HVAC: EPT

Acoustics: project - Harmony and Solutions - Lady Eduardo Vianna

Accessibility: Pimentas Associados

Lighting Design: Carlos Fortes

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