Project: Ualá Office
Architecture: Contract Workplaces
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Area: 2000 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Andres Negroni
In Buenos Aires, Ualá Office occupies a 2,000 m² floor in the Ola Palermo building, directly across from the Palermo Hippodrome. Once an exposed concrete parking structure, the building has been transformed into a vibrant urban hub combining offices, retail, and green spaces. For its new headquarters, Ualá—a fast-growing technology company offering financial products across the region—sought an innovative, flexible workspace aligned with its disruptive spirit. Contract Workplaces won the private competition for the project, managing both design and execution.
A Concept Rooted in Flexibility and Transparency
The design concept prioritizes organic and fluid forms, encouraging transparency and collaboration. Natural light and exterior views were maximized by placing workstations along the glazed perimeter of the floor. At the core of the plan, a cluster of oval-shaped pods forms a “forest” of meeting rooms, informal lounges, and phone booths. These spaces connect to a large cafeteria and a flexible work café, both opening onto landscaped internal courtyards. This arrangement promotes seamless interaction while offering moments of retreat.
The Vault: A Symbol of Ualá’s Culture
One of the most striking features of Ualá Office is “the vault,” a contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional bank safe. Instead of safeguarding money, it symbolizes the company’s most valuable asset—its people. Designed as a flexible hub, the vault includes mobile seating tiers that can adapt to different uses, from large events to small collaborative sessions. Surrounding the vault, a circular library highlights Ualá’s emphasis on culture, learning, and continuous growth.
Materiality and Atmosphere
The interiors combine noble and natural materials with the raw texture of the building’s original concrete. At reception, unpolished granite makes a strong first impression, while bamboo finishes define the curved meeting pods with warmth and tactility. Organic carpets, soft textiles, and indoor plants introduce comfort and biophilic elements, reinforcing a sense of well-being throughout the workspace. Lighting design plays a crucial role: indirect and linear fixtures create a dynamic atmosphere while reducing glare and energy consumption.
A Workplace That Reflects a Disruptive Identity
Every design decision was made to reflect Ualá’s mission of transforming the financial system. By blending technology with tradition, the project balances innovation and stability. Spaces are designed to support agility and adaptability, key values for a rapidly growing fintech. At the same time, cultural references such as the vault and library embed a sense of identity and continuity, giving employees both inspiration and a strong connection to the company’s values.
A Model for the Future of Work
More than just an office, Ualá Office represents a new way of working—flexible, transparent, and community-driven. The headquarters reflects how technology companies can create environments that foster innovation while celebrating culture and people. By merging modern design, natural elements, and symbolic gestures, the project sets a benchmark for future workplaces in Argentina and beyond.
