This project emerged within a context of changing work dynamics and the continuous growth of Leroy Merlin in Portugal, with the goal of rethinking the social and back-office spaces of its stores.

The proposal was to create a common system capable of improving and standardizing working conditions across all stores nationwide, while preserving the identity and specificities of each unit. Standardizing while maintaining difference required defining a guiding thread that ensured a minimum set of benefits for every space in a flexible, adaptable, hybrid, and multifunctional way.

The process began with mapping the functional and emotional needs of teams, enabling an understanding of expectations, routines, and constraints.

The process began with mapping the functional and emotional needs of teams, enabling an understanding of expectations, routines, and constraints.
The functional program is organized into Energy Cells: areas designed according to how they are used and the type of energy they hold, rather than specific tasks. Some encourage meeting, conversation, and collaboration; others create conditions for quieter, individual, and focused moments. This approach allows different dynamics to coexist within the same space, adapting to the reality and needs of each store without losing a shared identity.

After prototyping in a pilot store, the model is now being implemented across the remaining stores in the country.