Thinking Ahead at Work
Designing a collaborative workspace for a leading law firm within the historic Dreischeibenhaus
This spring, international law firm Hogan Lovells moved into nearly 10,000 m² across ten floors of the protected Dreischeibenhaus landmark. Architecture and strategy consultancy CSMM guided the project from start to finish—advising on the lease strategy and delivering a flawless move-in to this iconic building in the heart of the city.
The Dreischeibenhaus captured Hogan Lovells' attention through a combination of strategic thinking and proven sustainability. This Düsseldorf landmark—an icon of the post-war economic boom—offered the global law firm exactly what it needed: LEED Gold certification and an unbeatable location in the Central Business District. The vision was ambitious: create expansive, bespoke office environments spanning floors 4–9 and 21–24, connected by internal staircases that foster collaboration. Community spaces on alternating floors would anchor employee interaction and break up the work day.Yet the building's protected historic status demanded equally ambitious problem-solving. Connecting the 22nd and 23rd floors required structural intervention in the existing framework. Interior design constraints were equally complex—the distinctive, protected tones of the round columns dominated the space, while the original lighting system had to be preserved. The solution: a thoughtfully calibrated palette of color, light, and materials that honored the building's heritage while providing Hogan Lovells with a distinctive, functional atmosphere.The payoff was worth the challenge. Bold color and form choices yielded expansive, naturally lit office floors crowned by a rooftop terrace offering sweeping city views. The top three levels host reception and conference areas, a cafeteria with open kitchen, lounge spaces, an event venue, and the signature rooftop. For privacy and focus, Hogan Lovells opted for fully enclosed offices, with only select head areas adapted for open-plan seating of six workstations each. Standardized interior finishes ensure flexibility for future adaptations—a smart investment in the building's long-term versatility.
Photography:
Annika Feuss
www.annikafeuss.com
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