New Reasearch Area for Fraunhofer in Portugal

Associação Fraunhofer Portugal has a new research area starting with 2011. The non-‐profit private research association is part of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the largest application-oriented research organization in Europe which develops technological innovations and novel systems solutions for their customers. Pedra Silva Arquitectos were commissioned to design the new Porto headquarters located at the Technology University Campus.

In designing this concept, there were taken into consideration the workplace layout and organizational elements from Fraunhofer Office Inovation Center in Stutgard (Germany). The project’s design approach is modern, innovative and dynamic, being in a strong relationship with the company’s philosophy. With a total area of 1660 sqm., offices are divided into two floors. According to The project’s backbone is the movement, circulation and all spaces appear along a distribution route located next to the glass façade. From this main axis makes the access to various spaces of offices which vary in functions and sizes. Strong lines, bold colors, minimalist and high quality furnishing describe the overall appearance of this new research area. The offices spaces emanate positive energy, where creativity plays an important role.