Food&Friends by Westend

Hello Wood is an international architecture studio specialising in designing, building and developing unique resorts, spectacular cabins, lovable buildings and much more. Hello Wood started out as an art camp in 2010. Today it exists both as a creative architecture and design studio and an educational platform for architectural dialogue and experimentation. Its studio projects are driven by innovation, social responsibility and an unwavering passion for great design. They work with wood and other sustainable materials to create buildings that are not only artistic but also eco-friendly and socially relevant. Through their work, they aim to bring architecture closer to the general public.

Nature-Inspired Revamp: Hello Wood Transforms Budapest’s Biggest Shopping Mall’s Food Court into Food&Friends by Westend With the shift in consumer preferences driven by the digital age, it is essential for shopping malls to adapt. For Westend, the most popular shopping center in the heart 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. 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.