Distrito Arcos

Distrito Arcos is an open-air commercial hub situated in a revitalised area of the Palermo neighbourhood. The complex stands on what were once the old railway buildings and yards, positioned between Avenidas Juan B. Justo and Santa Fe, and the streets Godoy Cruz and Paraguay. Its identity is defined by the integration of a modern retail concept with the city’s industrial heritage, offering an environment that combines urban activity with open spaces.

Architecture and railway memory

The site’s structure preserves the essence of its origins. The complex was built on land that previously belonged to Bodegas Giol and the marshalling yard of the Ferrocarril San Martín. The architectural intervention, carried out by Seggiaro Arquitectos, focused on the restoration of the brick structures of the early-twentieth-century railway viaduct. These brick facades define both the interior spaces and the boundary with the urban fabric.

A distinctive feature is the constant presence of railway movement; the San Martín line passes above the arches and the facilities, lending a particular vibration to the atmosphere. The flow of passengers and the sound of the train are part of the everyday ambience of the site, connecting the commercial space with the transport dynamics of the Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

The open-air walkway

The design of the walkway avoids the enclosed feeling typical of traditional shopping centres. The shops are distributed within the covered spaces, making use of the existing structures, but most of the common areas are outdoors. The route is organised around a large central courtyard and other open spaces that act as breathing room within the complex.

Greenery and open spaces play a central role in this design. The use of pergolas, terraces, and gondolas framed by the arch structure allows visitors to move along paths surrounded by urban nature. This layout seeks to balance commercial activity with moments of calm, incorporating urban furnishing elements that encourage a more leisurely stroll.

Context in Palermo

The complex functions as a meeting point within the fabric of Palermo, connecting a premium brand offer with a varied dining proposition. As a space designed for pedestrian movement and open-air enjoyment, it ties directly into the culture of urban strolling that characterises this part of the city. The recovery of these former railway grounds has made it possible to transform a logistics infrastructure space into a public-use destination that keeps alive the memory of the area’s industrial past.