Fraunhofer Offices

Oporto, Portugal

Located in Oporto, the Fraunhofer offices occupy part of a building in the Science and Technology Park at the Oporto University (UPTEC). The space allotted to these offices consists of 1.660m2, divide along two floors. The Fraunhofer Portugal association is part of the German company Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest applied research institution. Although it is relatively little known to the public, Fraunhofer is responsible for such innovations as the MP3 audio format, and for significant advances in the field of workspace organization.

Fraunhofer Offices - Front view of reception

The project is based on the company’s philosophy of innovation, as well as its ample investigation into the matter of workspaces, through a simple, affirmative and dynamic message, and was selected through a private competition held by the institution itself.

Fraunhofer Offices - View of main circulation

Fraunhofer Offices - View of staff lounge and kitchen

The main circulation is a structural element of the project, and is laid out along the large glazed façade. It from this longitudinal circulation that the various office spaces are accessed. These spaces, which differ in size and function, are defined by a single strong gesture that determines the functioning and image of the whole – a plane that rises, falls and undulates through the space, generating the different rooms and paths.

Fraunhofer Offices - View of open space office

Fraunhofer Offices - Detail view of partitions

This freestanding plane reinforces the different volumes and materializes itself as a ceiling, wall or pavement for the different offices and meeting rooms, granting them a certain spatial dynamic, visual continuity, movement and flow.

Fraunhofer Offices - View of meeting room

Fraunhofer Offices - View of silent room

Throughout the office, small independent rooms called silent rooms are introduced, serving as places of concentration, informal meeting rooms or simply for resting. These seek to promote the researchers’ creativity and well-being.

Fraunhofer Offices - View of administration office

The colours used throughout the different spaces, together with the graphic design, give the offices a relaxed and youthful environment, according to the company’s ideology.