Revista AOA_35

The diagonal as an architectural element materialized as a large piece of furniture separated from the ceiling, allowing natural light to reach the center of the plan. Towards the public areas, it acts as support for the corporate graphics and signage of the building, and towards the private areas it accommodates all the auxiliary uses and programs of the offices (files, printers, paper bins, seating, telephone booths, etc.), with variable thickness along its length. The materials used also respond to this functional division. For the public areas, a hard pavement and dry wall drop ceiling. For the private areas, modular carpeting and exposed ceiling fixtures. The same general concept of the diagonal furniture was used on the 14 th floor for the general management and board. Only the materials were changed to wooden floors, veneered furniture and hard ceilings. The third floor and its perimeter terrace was designed as a single large space of communal cafeteria for permanent use, to rest and to work. The cafeteria facilities were installed at the core of the floor plan to provide the largest space and perimeter available to create different environments. The choice of furniture was made considering the general circulation and privacy required. Tables of different heights and features, conference furniture, sofas, stools and

armchairs were placed all around. The cafeteria becomes the most vital space of the building. All the furniture of the cafeteria is Steel Case brand, allowing for varied uses and groupings. On the second floor, the auditoriums and the larger meeting rooms were arranged with an additional and independent access through a staircase that connects with the first floor. In addition, two gym rooms were enabled through an independent entrance. On the first floor, a covered space was enabled as parking for 80 bicycles. The graphic design project for the whole building was conceived from the start as part of the interior architecture project. Caja Los Andes, as well as the Andes mountain range, is present all over Chile. The mountain range appears as the geographical identity of Chile and each floor of the building is identified with its corresponding region. Travel guides from 1982, prepared by Cooperativa Amereida, show the views of the mountain range from the road. This work of the School of Architecture and Design of the Catholic University of Valparaiso served as the basis for developing the graphics. The architectural and engineering specifications and the construction process allowed to obtain Leed Silver certification. The entire HVAC system, LED lighting and interior curtains of the building are centrally controlled.

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