airbnb weaves diverse environments into their office in sao paulo

airbnb weaves diverse environments into their office in sao paulo
all images © fran parente

airbnb has shared with us their newly established office in sao paulo. merging brazilian design with the company’s philosophy within one workspace, the environment designed in collaboration with MM18 arquitectura, hosts a series of unique environments or ‘houses’ which serve as different meeting rooms. this approach encourages the employees to change up, diversify the way they work and most importantly, to feel at home.

throughout, the use of natural materials were encouraged to reflect the design history of brazil

‘in addition to working with local makers…’ comments aaron taylor harvey and rachael harvey, airbnb environments team ‘we also wanted to weave the rich design history of brazil into the overall office. all around the kitchen is the perimeter, bench and terrace seating inspired by the work of burle marx, a brazilian landscape architect. this was an homage to his work, while also being a functional space for the team, allowing room for large gatherings such as presentations or all hands meetings.’
 

the office is located in the city’s villa madelena neighborhood

interaction is a key element which influenced the spatial organization. the importance of the shared kitchen is highlighted by the main communal lounge which acts as a versatile space for dining, workshops, lectures, parties and large meetings. decorated with movable furniture and automated blinds, lighting and different variations of layouts can be achieved. a guideline stated during the design development is to use of natural and raw materials. natural fibers and woods can be seen, with the floor is made of cement and the acoustic liner made of a conglomerate of wood.

more intimate spaces have been created for independent work

brazilian designers were invited to design, such as the carpets by brunno jahara and brass fixtures by carol gay

a long tiered bench runs through the communal space and onto the outdoor terrace

the team enjoys eating together, therefore the new space is organized around a shared kitchen

the shared lounge is for eating, meetings, workshops and events

the main aim of the office was to encourage the employees to feel at home in their workspace