JLABS @ Shanghai is Johnson & Johnson’s first life sciences innovation hub in Asia-Pacific, hosting more than 50 healthcare and biotech start-ups. The 4,400 m² space combines open-plan work areas, conference rooms, laboratories, and circulation corridors—each with distinct acoustic demands. The challenge was to ensure consistent acoustic comfort in co-working spaces, where innovation, privacy, and technical operations intersect daily. Without targeted acoustic design, unwanted reverberation, equipment noise, and lack of speech privacy could compromise the workspace. A tailored approach was needed to manage noise control in open offices while meeting the confidentiality needs of a high-performing innovation hub.
Delhom Acoustics worked closely with Gensler to define acoustic solutions adapted to each space. We applied soundproofing for meeting rooms, offices, and shared work zones, with absorption strategies to limit reverberation in collaborative areas. Our team addressed mechanical noise from HVAC and chillers, and proposed partitioning strategies to reduce sound transfer between critical zones. A calibrated sound masking system was also implemented in open spaces and corridors to support user privacy. All recommendations were carefully designed to meet workspace comfort expectations without affecting architectural intent or flexibility.
The final environment reflects a high standard of acoustic quality across all zones. Open-plan offices benefit from lower ambient noise and controlled reverberation, while meeting rooms meet speech privacy targets. Background noise from technical infrastructure was reduced to comfortable thresholds, and the sound masking system helped balance discretion with openness. With these measures, JLABS @ Shanghai now operates as a globally benchmarked co-working and R&D hub where acoustic design directly supports comfort, focus, and innovation.
