This building is to house the Customer Information Center for Credomatic, the major credit card operators in Central America. In the tropics, the roof is the defining element of the architecture’s character; however, in buildings over three stories high, the practicality of the roof is relative, as it does not fully shade the façades.

Consequently, the scorching effect of the sun on the façade would have to be resolved. In this case, the sunshades take on this role and the roof disappears. The materials used are inexpensive and by applying them properly they are enhanced, thus improving their appearance. Density is high; over 350 people work all day facing their screens and isolated within their cubicles. However, the panoramic view, the shade cast by the trees and the greenery contribute to the creation of an atmosphere which compensates for the people’s concentration on their computer screens.

Landscaping includes recreation spaces and planting some 90 trees. With a limited budget, we constructed this practical building with free plan, located in a suburb of San José.