Universal Music Offices – Santiago
Contract Workplaces revitalized the Universal Music offices in Santiago, creating a dynamic environment that intertwines creativity and collaboration, reflecting the vibrant identity of the music industry within a contemporary, industrial aesthetic.
Universal Music Chile, part of Universal Music Group—one of the world’s leading record labels—decided to renovate its offices in Santiago to refresh its corporate image and adapt the space to the unique dynamics of the music industry. The new headquarters is located in a premium building in the heart of Providencia, offering excellent connectivity, panoramic views, and green areas.
The project was executed within the same building but on a different floor with new orientation. The goal was to transform a traditional open-plan office into an environment that better reflects the identity of the company, its artists, and its creative way of working, incorporating personalized spaces.
The design was built around a central idea: to create a space that connects Universal Music’s various partners through music. This concept gave rise to a “work coffee” with stage as the heart of the office—an area for events, launches, informal meetings, and creative collaboration. The design blends functional and symbolic elements that reflect the brand’s cultural weight and forward-thinking vision, within a contemporary atmosphere influenced by industrial aesthetics and musical history.
Two main layout decisions shaped the project. First, a central core organizes circulation and houses services. This core also becomes a “hall of fame” through a graphic intervention on its walls that leads to the main boardroom. Second, an open coffee space with a stage was placed near the entrance, enabling public-facing events without disrupting daily operations. Workstations were placed along the perimeter, maximizing access to natural light and exterior views. The program also includes a small recording room and various meeting rooms.
The workspace supports a hybrid system with assigned desks. The only reservable space is the boardroom, due to its frequent use by external artists and managers.
The atmosphere features a sober, industrial-inspired look using graphite and gray tones. A herringbone vinyl floor adds a vintage touch, while expanded metal and exposed concrete reinforce the urban identity. Accents of blue and terracotta, associated with the brand’s visual identity, activate specific areas with vibrant energy.
Graphic storytelling plays a key role in the design. The main circulation path was conceived as a visual journey celebrating Universal Music’s artists. It operates on two levels: framed photos of current talents and illustrations of historic figures who shaped the label’s legacy. This intervention both honors the artists represented and reinforces the company’s cultural heritage.
With this renovation, Universal Music Chile redefined its rhythm. Its local headquarters is no longer just an office—it’s now a meeting point for industry, art, and culture, brought to life through a powerful, compact design full of personality that reflects the identity of the global brand.
Design: Contract Workplaces
Photography: Pablo Blanco
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