HBC Lobby design

Authors’ Comment

Urban square: a contemporary agora in the heart of the lobby

The lobby of an office building is often the first point of contact with the space and the identity of those who inhabit it. In this project, the challenge was quite unique: a central volume with a height of approximately 30 meters, capped by a generous skylight that brings natural light deep into the space. The space felt more like an urban square, and this became the key concept for the design.

We started with the sensation of an interior-exterior space, an open, breathing area, and amplified it through clear architectural gestures: the floor was lowered by three steps from the main access level, creating a central core, bordered by large perimeter planters that introduce natural vegetation and subtly define the space. Everything is designed to create an experience of traversal, like a small square where waiting becomes a moment of relaxation.

Materials were chosen to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and warm. The white terrazzo flooring reflects natural light, contrasting with the rich tones of walnut wood used for the reception furniture and central pieces, as well as with the black metal accents of the planters. Every detail has a voice: the sculptural reception desk, the totem made of perforated ceramic blocks, statement elements that visually mark the perspective end of the entrance.

Visitors have several seating options: from comfortable sofas with livelier color notes to a bar area – a piece that stands out due to its design and positioning. In the area with normal height (2.70m), near the elevators, we created a quiet corner in the form of a small library, an invitation for exploration or relaxation.

This design reinterprets the idea of a transitional space and transforms it into an urban pitstop, with qualities of a contemporary agora. It is a space that blends the monumentality of architecture with human detail, elegance with functionality, nature with material. A space that doesn’t just greet you but makes you want to stay.