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42 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / MARCH 2017
Inside & Out(side) RNL DESIGN
W hen Hogan Lovells moved into a new
70,000-square-foot office space at 1601 We-
watta St. in Lower Downtown, the company
needed to create a space that complemented both
its well-known international practice and strong lo-
cal presence. The growing law firm – which provides
business-oriented legal advice and high-quality ser-
vices across a breadth of practices to clients around
the world – was committed to providing a transfor-
mational new space for its Denver employees. Hogan
Lovells hired RNL to make that vision a reality and
reflect both aspects of its identity through interior
design and lighting design.
Adjacent to Union Station, the new LEED Gold
certified office location provides clients immediate
access to Denver’s transportation hub. The location
heavily influenced the concept behind the design
and added a focus on providing connectivity within
the workplace.
In that regard, a main focal point of the space is
an open staircase that creates connectivity between
three floors and is framed by an impressive bronze
and glass wall that runs the entire three stories. The
stair design and placement are meant to create an
engaging experience while promoting a more active
lifestyle throughout the workday.
Liberal use of glass throughout the space was stra-
tegically employed by RNL’s design and lighting
team to support a more natural circadian rhythm
among employees. Features inspired by the local
neighborhood such as reclaimed wood and ornate
details reminiscent of Union Station were used
alongside clean lines and modern glass fronts to cre-
ate the right balance in the space.
Hogan Lovells elected an egalitarian layout where
everyone is given the exact same size office (165
square feet) – a relative rarity for a Denver law firm.
Corner offices are reserved for meeting spaces and
visiting attorneys. This move gave RNL the ability to
create some fun, collaborative common areas that
serve to support a stronger culture within the firm.
A large break area at the base of the stairs, known
as “the Junction,” includes plasma screen televisions,
shuffle board, corn hole, an espresso machine and
space for employees to relax and unwind. In con-
junction with the conferencing center, located in
the center of the three-floor stack, the Junction also
doubles as an event space to host receptions and in-
dustry events – another uncommon characteristic
for a law firm space.
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