Food & Friends by Westend | Hello Wood team

With the shift in consumer preferences driven by the digital age, it is essential for shopping malls to adapt. It means incorporating cutting-edge technology and redefining spaces to offer customers a seamless and remarkable experience that extends beyond simply purchasing products. Most importantly, shopping centers must also evolve by emphasizing further sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

For Westend, the most popular shopping center in theheart of Budapest, it is key to innovate and adapt by understanding the changing requirements and desires of customers. The management has commissioned the pioneers of wooden architecture in Hungary, Hello Wood to implement the largest development of Westend since its opening – the revamp of the food court.

The design team of the internationally acclaimed Hello Wood created a concept that combined the results of research with the visitor expectations and the values represented by Westend, while also ensuring the highest level of compliance with ESG guidelines. Thus, Food&Friends by Westend was born, functioning not only as a modern food court but also as a community space. Hello Wood also designed and created a series of unique, site-specific and accessible furniture.

The core vision of the Food&Friends by Westend was to create a nature-inspired, one-of-a-kind atmosphere with an easy flow of visitors while incorporating diverse thematic zones and cutting-edge technology. The exquisite oak furniture, crafted from wood with FSC certification, embodies a commitment to ecological balance and sustainability throughout the production process.

With versatility and thoughtful design in mind, the seating concept was strategically enhanced, resulting in an 10% increase in seating capacity compared to its previous state. The uniquely shaped furniture offers visitors comfortable resting spots amidst the harmonious ambiance of natural wooden elements, which can also be found on the ceilings and walls. The new seatings are also equipped with built-in wireless phone chargers and USB ports for added convenience. The eye-catching furniture's oak material is responsibly sourced from Hungarian forests, following a short transportation route. Additionally, the pursuit of zero waste led to creative utilization of leftover wood as decorative elements and in workshops for visitors.

"We are thrilled to unveil the Westend Food&Friends, our largest renovation project so far. We believe that shopping centres can maximise their potential if they keep up with changing needs, and we are here to help with our expertise and unique vision” - commented András Huszár, Chief Executive Officer and Lead Architect of Hello Wood.

The project also prioritized operational efficiency, with energy-saving measures such as updated mechanical systems, low-consumption LED lighting, and efficient heat management. The centrepiece of the space features a monumental 28-meter-long LED wall, creating an immersive interior decoration. Adjustable colour lighting above walkways sets unique atmospheres throughout the day, positively impacting visitors' mood and senses.

Gránit Pólus, the property developer of Westend, has nearly 30 years of experience in the field and always pursue unique solutions to upgrade their portfolio. They have greatly shaped the urban landscape of Budapest, among many other cities in Europe, being the lead property & asset management company in Hungary. The grand refurbishment, covering nearly 15% of the entire complex, represents a new step in redefining the dining experience in shopping centers - thus contributing to the developer’s vision.

hellowood.eu

@hellowood

Design and Build: Hello Wood Zrt.

Design Board: András Huszár, Péter Pozsár, Dávid Ráday, Krisztián Tóth

Lead Architects: András Huszár, Péter Pozsár, Viktória Simon, Gergely Sándor

Project Architects: Gábor Fülöp, Dániel Szeifert

Architects: Ádám Bedrossian, Katalin Kitti Kiss, Tamás Fülöp, László Mangliár

Interior Design Partner: Viador Átrium Stúdió Kft.

Client: Westend Shopping Center (shopping mall) / Gránit Pólus (owner, property development)

Photos & video: Bálint Jaksa