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.

www.cs-mm.com

Photography:
Annika Feuss
www.annikafeuss.com

Nothing found.

Living space through change

Amazing metamorphosis – from a "discreet house" to a multi-storey residential building

Sustainable with consistency

A climate company focuses on flexibility and reusable materials

Hanseatic identity in fired clay

The renaissance of clinker architecture

Nothing found.

pk1080-381_47_700pixels

Bringing nature inside

A bungalow that captivates through expansive transparency and layered garden vistas.

Unlocking Potential

An attic conversion in Bilk exemplifies smart density and energy efficiency.

JS_SB_Lindner_Congress_Hotel_-5_15_700px

Pure panorama

A congress hotel in Lörick crowned with a striking new principal floor

MIMO-Exterior-TM-01_15_700pixel

Minimal impact – maximum output

A prototype integrating a holistic approach to materials, energy, and use

SW-NeuroPrax-LP6018_19_700px

Everything Flows: Panta Rhei(n)

A Neurological Practice in Pradus Draws Inspiration from the River's Flow

Smart living design

Germany's first outpost of this Belgian smart home innovator anchors Schadowplatz.

Gilded industrial charm

Historic industrial buildings reimagined as a characterful residential haven

Copy-of-Homepage-Main-Page-DSC9206-rheinweiss-dentistry-15-700px

Am I in the Right Place?

Dental practice reimagined: where clinical precision meets wellness elegance