HBC Offices – Bucharest
Prographic Architecture Studio’s redesign of the HBC offices lobby in Bucharest transforms it into an urban agora, fostering interaction and light-filled openness through thoughtful architectural interventions and warm materiality.
The project involves the redesign of the main lobby of an office building in Bucharest, conceived as a representative space with a strong spatial identity. The main architectural challenge was defined by the existing volume, a central space rising approximately 30 meters in height and covered by a large skylight that allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior. Rather than treating the lobby as a purely transitional area, the design proposal aimed to transform it into an active social space with the character of an urban square.
The concept is based on the idea of an interior public space, open and breathable, that encourages movement, pause, and interaction. This idea is reinforced through a series of clear architectural interventions. The floor level was lowered by three steps from the main access, creating a central core that functions as the heart of the lobby. This central area is bordered by large perimeter planters that introduce vegetation into the space while also defining its boundaries without creating rigid separations.
Circulation is conceived as a continuous and intuitive experience, allowing the lobby to be discovered progressively. The design supports both transit and short-term use, transforming waiting into a relaxed and informal moment. The generous vertical dimension of the space is emphasized by maintaining visual continuity across levels and by allowing natural light from the skylight to remain a dominant element of the spatial experience.
Material selection plays a key role in defining the atmosphere of the lobby. White terrazzo flooring was chosen to enhance light reflection and to reinforce the sense of openness. Walnut wood is used for the reception desk and central furniture elements, adding warmth and tactility, while black metal details, particularly in the planters, provide contrast and structure. Several focal elements were introduced to anchor the space visually, including a sculptural reception desk and a vertical totem composed of perforated ceramic blocks that marks the end of the entrance perspective.
A variety of seating options are distributed throughout the lobby, ranging from lounge sofas to a bar area that acts as a social focal point. In the zone adjacent to the elevators, where the ceiling height is reduced to 2.70 meters, a quieter and more intimate area was created in the form of a small library. This space offers a moment of retreat within the larger volume and supports different modes of use.
By redefining the lobby as more than a passage space, the project transforms it into an urban interior with the qualities of a contemporary agora. The design balances monumentality with human scale and combines architectural clarity with material warmth, creating a space that supports both representation and everyday use.
Design: Prographic Architecture Studio
Lead Architect: Ștefan Alberto Bianco
Project Team: Oana Cucoranu, Tania Piceava, Monica Hududui
MEP Engineering: Instaltek Project
Implementation: PAB Group
Photography: Sabin Prodan
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