About Porto Dome
From Caregiver Challenges to Pioneering Workplace Innovation
From Personal Struggle to Workplace Transformation
When my father passed, I was left with the profound realization of what I had endured—balancing caregiving for a loved one living with dementia while striving to advance my career, all without reliable support.
This experience exposed a universal truth: workplaces are not built to support the dual demands of career growth and family caregiving. I realized this wasn't just my story—every third person I spoke to either experienced the same struggle or feared they would.
In honor of my parents, I founded Porto Dome—an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates senior and childcare into daily workplace operations. Our mission is simple: create work environments that empower employees to thrive, both professionally and personally, without compromise.
Porto Dome is about transforming work culture with empathy and efficiency, ensuring that every individual can succeed—at work and at home.
Our Leadership: Innovation with Empathy
Marisa Toldo - Founder and Visionary Leader
With over 25 years of experience in architectural design and project management, I bring a global perspective to Porto Dome. My expertise is in designing environments that enhance the human experience, and now, I am dedicating that knowledge to create workspaces that allow careers and caregiving to coexist seamlessly.
Recognitions and Impactful Programs
Fellowships Highlighting Our Social Innovation
The Break Fellowship, 2022 - Fundación EOI F.S.P (Spain)
Awarded at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards and supported by EU - Next Generation, this fellowship highlights our commitment to social innovation.
The Impact Accelerator, 2023 - Berlin Startup School
A program connecting Berlin's top social startups, empowering Porto Dome to create impactful, sustainable workplaces that foster community growth.
Expert Advisors: Shaping Our Vision
Dr. Lora Koycheva - Expert in Techno Science Studies, BTU | Founder of Robots and Inquirio.
Dr. Koycheva combines anthropology and technology to help Porto Dome design adaptable, inclusive spaces. Her expertise ensures our environments use thoughtful tech to foster innovation, connection, and intergenerational support.
Dr. Sabine Krofczik-Wilhelm - Neurobiologist, Leader in Dementia Research
Dr. Krofczik-Wilhelm’s research guides our designs to support cognitive health, creating spaces that nurture well-being, especially for those who need it most.
Our Partners: Building Stronger Communities Together
International Child Development Initiatives - TOY Programme
The TOY Programme lies at the heart of our intergenerational model, fostering genuine connections between young children and older adults. These meaningful interactions not only enhance employee engagement but also cultivate a supportive workplace culture—ultimately driving performance and retention.
Through the TOY Programme, we witness powerful outcomes: mutual understanding, improved well-being, decreased loneliness, and shared joy from exchanging knowledge and experiences.
TOY for Quality ensures that Porto Dome adheres to the best international practices in intergenerational learning, anchored by six key dimensions:
Fostering Connections: Building relationships that enhance well-being.
Respect for Diversity: Celebrating the unique backgrounds of each participant.
Community Engagement: Strengthening ties within and across neighborhoods.
Collaborative Learning: Learning together and from each other, bridging generations.
Professional Development: Investing in teamwork and ongoing education.
Sustainability: Monitoring, evaluating, and ensuring lasting impact.
Join us on this journey to transform lives through intergenerational connections. Discover how you can contribute to building a vibrant community that supports everyone—where young and old thrive together.
Research Contributions: Foundational Insights for Lasting Impact
Design Research Project, 2023 - University of North Texas
Graduate students from the University of North Texas conducted a project titled "Investigating a Mixed-Use Design Concept for Children and Older Adults." The findings provided valuable insights into the viability and optimization of our mixed-use concept. Special thanks to Prof. Susan Squires and the students for their contributions.
Sustainable Impact Report, 2024 - Stirling Virtual Consultancy Project
In partnership with Practera, this report evaluated the long-term impact of mixed-use spaces, demonstrating significant benefits for organizational productivity and community impact. Special thanks to Lauren Kerr Murie, Jaswinder Lang, and Eleftheria Gkivizini.
Our Vision in Action: Sustainable, Supportive Workspaces
Porto Dome is sparking a movement—one where work and care coexist seamlessly, transforming both business outcomes and employee well-being. By bringing family care directly into the workplace, we create environments where employees thrive, and businesses succeed. Here’s how:
Boost Productivity and Focus: Onsite care means employees can focus fully on their work, reducing stress and absenteeism. In Germany, the average worker logs 1,343 hours per year—the lowest in the OECD—but takes 19.4 sick days on average. With onsite support, employees stay present, engaged, and productive.
Retain Top Talent: Employees shouldn’t have to choose between their career and caregiving. By offering integrated family care, Porto Dome ensures your best talent stays—committed and thriving—reducing costly turnover and fostering loyalty.
Elevate Corporate Reputation: More than 70% of workers are caregivers, often leading to burnout. Porto Dome helps your company lead in corporate social responsibility, supporting caregivers and setting a new standard. Be the company that doesn’t just talk about well-being—shows it.
Lead the Workplace Revolution
Join Porto Dome in reshaping the future of work—where career growth and caregiving coexist without compromise. Together, we can build communities that promote well-being, productivity, and sustainable growth.
Contact Us Today to discover how your organization can be part of this transformative movement. Let’s lead the change—together.