When global silicon design and software leader Synopsys opened its technology hub in Porto, Portugal, the goal was to create an energetic, highly flexible workplace that supports diverse work styles. From open collaboration to individual engineering focus, the office, designed in collaboration with Tétris and JLL, with support from Haworth Portugal, prioritizes employee well-being, visual warmth, and acoustic comfort.
By layering BuzziNest phone booths, sound-absorbing BuzziMoon acoustic lighting, and versatile BuzziCube seating, the project highlights how smart sound management elevates modern tech office interiors.
Tech environments require rapid transitions between virtual scrum meetings, pair programming, and concentrated focus tasks.
The Acoustic Challenge: Hard floors, open ceilings, and expansive glass walls can cause voice chatter to travel, creating distracting background noise.
The Solution: Implement localized acoustic interventions that Absorb, Block, and Contain sound where it occurs, keeping the overall environment open, bright, and productive.
To give engineers instant access to private video calls without booking large meeting rooms, standalone acoustic pods were integrated near workstation clusters.
Sound Containment: Fully insulated acoustic felt and glass panels contain internal conversation noise while keeping external distractions out.
Agile Functionality: Perfect for confidential 1-on-1 chats and focused individual work.
Suspended directly over collaborative meeting zones and team islands, BuzziMoon, BuzziChip, and BuzziPleat Light fixtures serve a dual purpose:
Sound Absorption: High-density upholstered felt rings absorb rising speech frequencies directly at ceiling level, reducing room echo (RT60).
Functional Illumination: Delivers bright, glare-free downlighting tailored for collaborative tasks and group discussions.
Modular BuzziCube seating poufs were deployed throughout high-traffic breakout zones:
Acoustic & Spatial Softening: Thick foam construction helps absorb low-level lateral noise while providing soft architectural texture.
Flexible Seating: Encourages spontaneous, casual team huddles and informal discussions on the fly.
