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Dentons Budapest, an international law firm, decided in the summer of 2023 to relocate its offices, which were previously spread across multiple buildings on Andrássy Avenue, to a new, central, unified office space on the fifth and sixth floors of the recently inaugurated premium Bem Center office building. The preparation of the project, along with the design and execution of the office space featuring complex, custom interior design solutions, took nearly 15 months. The selection of the location was heavily influenced by its central position, the stunning panoramic views of the Danube and Buda Castle, and the spacious terraces enriched with plants. The interior design of the offices was carried out by UPPER Design Studio, who also designed the previous Dentons office, with the Stay in Hungary project management team assisting with project execution. The general planning and construction tasks were handled by the office building’s developer, Market Zrt.

Concept and Spatial Organization
The design process involved preliminary consultations and thorough preparations, taking into account the needs of employees and clients, as well as the company’s values and objectives. Dentons’ operations require a clear separation between operational workflows and representative meetings and conferences. Therefore, client reception, the reception area, and the conference rooms on the sixth floor were placed in an exclusive space with views of the Danube.

The sixth-floor space includes a conference room that can be combined from two rooms, accommodating up to 80 people. This room is designed to host professional events and receptions and is equipped with lounge furniture and a catering counter. Additionally, there is a 10-person meeting room and an exclusive lounge meeting room, the special lighting of which is provided by a backlit film stretched within a round bronze ring.

Key elements of the space include artworks strung along the central axis, drawing attention and gently guiding visitors. The interior design solutions emphasize the environment, with the glass wall behind the reception subtly directing visitors’ attention to the landscape, ensuring that they experience the view as part of the spatial experience upon arrival. The clean-lined glass walls reflect elegantly, enhancing the airy and spacious feel of the lobby.

The material choices are dominated by noble, timeless materials, while the textures of the surfaces and the detailed craftsmanship create a soothing and exclusive atmosphere. The soft, flowing pattern of the carpet creates unity and guides visitors as they move through the space.

Design and Sustainability
The interior is enriched with exciting architectural elements such as the cloud-inspired carpet designed by Tom Dixon, and the “Bomma” design lamp made of leather and glass above the reception desk. Prominent bronze and stone surfaces, as well as custom oak furniture and bookshelves, are balanced by rounded shapes and gentle curved solutions, creating a blend of exciting contemporary design and timeless elegance. The designers paid special attention to ensuring the new office is sustainable: high-quality furniture from the previous space was retained, including the classic solid wood conference furniture, the Mooi Meshmatics chandelier, and the azure Roche Bobois sofas in the lounge meeting room.

Art Collection and Special Spaces
Dentons and its owners possess a significant contemporary art collection, which is featured in dedicated exhibition spaces in the new office, with special lighting for the artworks. A contemporary sculpture is highlighted on a pedestal in the conference lobby, with a special ceiling light fixture emphasizing it. On the back wall of the meeting rooms, a picture-hanging system used in galleries allows for the periodic display of contemporary paintings.

Operational Workspaces and Recreation
The fifth floor is dedicated to operational workspaces, equipped with ergonomic office chairs and height-adjustable desks to support the efficient work of lawyers, consultants, and back-office staff. The assistants’ centrally located workstations are separated by custom partitioning structures with curtains, while a ceiling-mounted acoustic lattice system made from recycled materials reduces office noise.

The appearance of the café and bistro on the fifth floor is entirely different from the rest of the office, deliberately creating a space that encourages employees to step out of the working environment. These spaces provide a cozy area for recreation, relaxation, lunch or coffee breaks, and social events. The spacious terrace, shaded by sun sails and adorned with a rooftop garden, offers a comfortable space for outdoor work and relaxation, as well as for team building and social activities.

This complex, modern, and sustainable office space ensures that Dentons has a professional and inspiring work environment, combining functionality with excellent design elements and a focus on the well-being of its employees.

Design: UPPER Design Studio
Photography: Zsolt Hlinka