MEZA ENGINEERING HEADQUARTERS: Setting soft thresholds to integrate spaces
Co-author: Vera Freire
In this project for a construction company headquarters we responded to the irregular shape of the existing building footprint with soft curves, adding an industrial feel that emphasizes two basic construction materials: concrete and steel.
Using curved shapes we were able to reach spatial integration by setting soft thresholds between spaces of different uses. A decompression area, located between meeting room and access corridor was a key component , working both as a transitional and a gathering space.
If good work spaces allow people to simultaneously focus and interact, and feel somewhat at home, we hope this will soon take place when Meza Engineering opens its doors.
 View from entrance. Photo: Walter Dias |  Isometric view of proposal |  Floor plan |
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 View towards translucent archive and conference room access. Photo: Walter Dias |  View towards translucent archive with conference room entry at right. Photo: Walter Dias |  Conference room entry. Photo: Walter Dias |
 Conference room. Photo: Walter Dias |  Conference room detail. Photo: Walter Dias |  Conference room with exposed lighting fixtures and translucent transom. Photo: Walter Dias |
 View from corridor towards decompression area. Photo: Walter Dias |  Office break room. Photo; Walter Dias |  View from break room towards desk area. Photo: Walter Dias |
 Detail of open seating area. Photo: Walter Dias |  Overall view of open seating area. Photo: Walter Dias |  View from open seating area towards accounting and director's offices. Photo: Walter Dias |
 Director's office. Photo: Walter Dias |  Accounting office detail. Photo: Walter Dias |  View from open seating area towards break room. Photo: Walter Dias |
 Detail open seating area towards corridor. Photo: Walter Dias |  Break room detail. Photo: Walter Dias |  View from break room towards exterior. Photo: Walter Dias |
 Ceiling and curved partition detail. Photo: Walter Dias |