McDonald's Paradise

McDonald's has just opened a new location in São Paulo, in the Paraíso neighborhood. Located in one of the city's busiest areas, the restaurant marks a significant step in the evolution of sustainable practices already adopted by the global restaurant chain, through its Recipe of the Future program. In addition to maintaining the measures McDonald's has adopted over the years, the new "Méqui" takes even further steps toward sustainability, creating a restaurant that exceeds all expectations. Its architecture was designed by Superlimão, an architecture firm that constantly reinforces its commitment to environmental protection and innovation. The choice for this project was to use engineered wood, from the ceiling to the floor, which significantly reduced the carbon footprint, as the wood absorbs carbon dioxide instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. Because much of the wood is hidden behind cladding, an opening was added to the walls of the project to communicate to visitors that the interior structure is made of wood. Furthermore, this project is based on prefabrication, with part of the construction being carried out inside an industrial warehouse and the prefabricated parts assembled one by one. This method minimized material waste, reduced energy consumption, and reduced impact on the surrounding area, providing a quieter construction environment and a shorter construction schedule, making the process more efficient. Among the sustainable solutions adopted in the project, solar incidence studies conducted before implementation stand out, as a glass "box" forms the restaurant's facade. Sunshades were strategically installed to control sunlight, a measure that has been shown to have an impact on internal temperature regulation, and a green roof helps control the dining room's internal temperature. Furthermore, studies and alternatives to conventional construction materials were conducted, emphasizing the use of sustainable materials, both domestic and locally sourced. For example, porcelain tile was replaced with Concresteel, and recycled PET laminate was used instead of traditional melamine. The unit also features a rainwater harvesting system and air conditioning units for reuse. Using a biomimetic approach, or decisions based on nature, the inspiration for the project's pillars came from the tree trunks in the median of Bernardino de Campos Avenue—the last remaining trees in the area—in front of the unit. This was a creative solution to overcome the maximum span limitations of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). Thus, the tree-shaped pillars support and brace the building, reinforcing the connection with nature and the sustainability theme throughout the project. The new unit is located just a few meters from Paulista Avenue—on the corner of Abílio Soares Street and Bernardino de Campos Avenue—one of the busiest thoroughfares in the capital. The strategic location ensures visibility for pedestrians and drivers traveling along the avenue, providing an opportunity to demonstrate more sustainable construction techniques to the public. By occupying a prominent location, the goal is to go beyond the project itself and spread awareness to everyone. "Since environmental awareness is as important as the actions, we decided to go beyond the project itself, transforming it into a powerful tool for environmental education and awareness," says Lula Gouveia, architect and partner at Superlimão. "From the project's inception, we were firm in the sustainability narrative and the impact this theme would have when applied in an environment as democratic as McDonald's," adds Maria Fernanda Elaiuy, architect at Superlimão. To highlight the vision of this building to the public, a guided tour was implemented using yellow lines marked on the floor, leading customers through specific areas of the restaurant. QR Codes provide detailed information about the materials and techniques used in the project – a way to make the sustainable aspects even more evident. This is an innovative step, marking the first time that McDonald's and Superlimão have created a self-explanatory project, allowing visitors to intuitively understand the principles behind this construction. The lower hall is equipped with four self-service kiosks to provide a more convenient experience for customers. Conventional cash registers, an order pickup area, tables, a McCafé, and an outdoor dessert kiosk made with 100% recycled polyethylene complete the ground floor. Upstairs, there's another dining area. Another element sets the new Méqui apart from other locations. After studying the surrounding area and surveying colleges and schools in the area, it was decided to install a bleacher against one of the restaurant's facades. This seating pattern has been increasingly used in the chain's restaurants and was specifically designed and implemented to meet the growing demand for relaxed environments that offer spaces for relaxing, socializing, and studying.