CREJ - Building Dialogue - March 2017
When Hogan Lovells moved into a new 70,000-square-foot office space at 1601 Wewatta St. in Lower Downtown, the company needed to create a space that complemented both its well-known international practice and strong local presence. The growing law firm – which provides business-oriented legal advice and high-quality services across a breadth of practices to clients around the world – was committed to providing a transformational 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 strategically 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 create 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 conjunction 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 industry events – another uncommon characteristic for a law firm space. PHOTOS: Sarah Barker, NCIDQ, IIDA 1. Framed by a blackened steel channels, the reclaimed wood feature in the elevator lobby extends from the logo wall to the ceiling and simulates the look of worn railroad ties. Intertwining steel rods take inspiration from the nearby Millennium pedestrian bridge that can be seen from the lobby. Concrete beams are left exposed to showcase the building’s structure. 2. The v-shaped stair suspends from exposed structural concrete beams within an opening that intersects the perpendicular lines of the curved building façade. A three-story metal wall feature and custom light fixture create an engaging experience as guests travel through the space. 3. The Junction break area was strategically located at the base of the stair to encourage activity and engage all users of the space. The reception is located on the middle level and allows easy access to this space. 4. The angles of the building are emphasized with a lit brow above the offices along the building’s exterior. The marble file bars contrast with the metal light fixtures to bring in elements of the historic Union Station neighborhood that inspired the materiality and finish execution throughout the space. 5. The Conferencing Center features elements of the main lobby within a different format. The space operates as three conference rooms, or it can open up into a large area with the use of operable partitions and vertical lifts. PROJECT TEAM INTERIOR DESIGN/LIGHTING DESIGN: RNL CONTRACTOR: i2 Construction ENGINEERING: ME Group STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Jirsa RECLAIMED WOOD: Pioneer Millworkers MILLWORK: Woodcraft FLOORING DEALER: AFS DEMOUNTABLE WALLS: DIRTT ELECTRICAL: Regency AV & CABLING: Linx FURNITURE DEALERSHIP: OfficeScapes STEEL STAIRCASE: Couturier Iron Craft METALWORK: Classic Metals