Leading Investor Natixis opens an extension of its office space in Porto

Last week, Porto Leading Investor Natixis in Portugal inaugurated the "Natixis Solar System", a collaborative workspace that is an original and unparalleled concept in the world of offices, both nationally and internationally. Under the theme of space exploration, the project combines creativity, functionality, and a strong educational component in an environment that invites discovery, stimulates curiosity, and transforms everyday work into an inspiring and unusual experience.

The official opening included a guided tour and a live interview with Ana Pires, the first Portuguese scientist-astronaut, who shared her vision of the importance of innovation, diversity, and exploration in scientific and business contexts.

With around 3,500 sqm., the ‘Solar System’ has a capacity for 354 employees, with nine meeting rooms. The space is divided into themed zones inspired by the planets and stars of our solar system: Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It was created by reusing the former Central Shopping centre on Rua de Santos Pousada, which has now been given a new lease of life.

After the "Villages", Natixis' collaborative work environments that recreate 13 cities spread across four continents, the "Solar System" office expansion offers a true Learning Expedition: a place that combines work with knowledge, creating something that resembles an ‘office-exhibition’, through educational elements such as infographics, quotes, and QR codes that redirect to subjects such as astronomy, science, and innovation.

The design includes a dome/planetarium at the heart of the space (the result of the conversion of the old cinema), textures inspired by lunar craters and Jupiter, and visual details that refer to spaceships and the future of technology.

The project was developed by Tétris, JLL's architecture and construction company, that used Artificial intelligence to create images and graphic elements in order to enrich the visual experience of the space.

"This Natixis project marks a change in our perception of the workspace - a centre of innovation and creativity, where architecture merges with science, sustainability, and technology. For Tétris, it is a source of great pride to contribute to the transformation of a disused space into an inspiring ecosystem that fosters well-being, learning, and community connection. The 'Solar System' exemplifies in a remarkable way how the offices of the future are already taking shape in the present," says Carlos Cardoso, Managing Director of Tétris Portugal and JLL Portugal's CEO.

The project follows the principles outlined in Natixis' Sustainability Manifesto, with the commitment to sustainability being mirrored in the choice of materials (around 70 per cent of the furniture has been reused, coming directly from the company's head offices in Paris). At the same time, the renovation of a former shopping centre into an office space also contributes to urban regeneration, minimising the environmental footprint of new construction.

"After recreating neighbourhoods in the city of Porto and cities around the world, this project represents our leap into the universe, without leaving our office. It reflects Natixis' vision for the future of the workspace: a space for collaboration, knowledge, and well-being, where every detail has been carefully thought out to boost the inspiration and talent of our teams," says Etienne Huret, CEO of Natixis in Portugal. "Through the workspace, we have been able to reinforce our unique corporate culture, which allows us to be disruptive in the banking sector," he adds.  

 

To bring this concept and the global Natixis experience closer to the community, the company regularly organises open house events: Natixis Open House.