Hírek
MLS in progress – Sára Matheidesz
In our new series, we take a look at the workflow at MádiLáncos Studio: showing you the projects our colleagues are working on and the design issues they are dealing with. Our first interviewee is interior designer Sára Matheidesz.
Sára, what are you working on these days?
The first phase of our DLA Piper international law firm was completed last year, with a community space, a larger kitchen with a café and its first offices. This space was designed with great care. Together with the client, we quickly defined the key design elements and features that could attract the younger generation back into the office after the pandemic. We have imagined an inspiring setting, not so typical of law firms, where there is space for informal meetings or ad hoc duties and we have tried to create an atmosphere that is welcoming for all ages in a park-like environment with rich biophilic touches. Besides the large communal kitchen, there are places for relaxation, informal activities and a number of drop-in workstations. We are now redesigning the existing offices on the fifth and sixth floors of the same building.
How was the office space concept different in this project?
Here, the client wanted to transform the strict cellular office layout into something they had not used before: we’ve decided to introduce flexible working with an open office culture, we’ve created so-called hot desks for those who work part-time at home. Furthermore, drop-in workstations will be designed alongside private offices for managers, and the transition to a more economical, open office space will begin. The need to provide a quiet environment for focused legal work was also an essential element of the design.
What changes have been made to the floor plan?
The floor plan was designed to free up the north side of the wing on both levels, eliminating the cellular layout and transforming this area into a primarily open office space, with only a few cell offices dividing and forming ‘bays’ in the open zones to ensure privacy, if needed. Quiet rooms and phone booths are also included.
What design solutions have you chosen for the new spaces?
On the office floors, the aim was to create a calm, cozy environment, a relaxed timeless design, keeping the minimalist approach and paying special attention to good acoustic conditions, while using natural materials. Following the strict layout of the building, the spaces are transparent, the design is clean and simple, with a focus on light and neutral warm pastel colors, complemented by natural wood. An important aspect was the need to provide plenty of acoustic surfaces as well as having natural light-filled spaces on the fourth floor with a significant amount of biophilia. It is only on the walkways where we have allowed an exciting, playful carpet pattern, which is fading away towards the work areas.
Tell us about some unique design solutions.
Immediately upon entering, a new, accented, wood-framed glass box, a conference room welcomes visitors. The different use of materials also hints at its central role, this space can also serve as a silent room offering privacy. The space is dominated by wood-slatted pilasters, which mark the open-space areas and separate them from the central walkway. A multi-functional library featuring a wood veneer bookcase with a pressed shelf is also added, which can be used as a private lounge or as a second meeting room. And for a warm welcome, we created a spacious office butler area with lockers and wardrobes.
