Food&Friends by Westend, the eco-friendly Food Court inside the shopping center

Adapting to the new consumer preferences driven by the digital age for shopping malls means incorporating cutting-edge technologies and offering customers a total experience that goes beyond just shopping through the redefinition of spaces. This is what happened with the transformation of the food court of Budapest's largest shopping mall into Food&Friends by Westend.

The Westend shopping center in Budapest and its food court

For Westend, the most popular shopping center in the heart of Budapest, the key to innovating and adapting by understanding the changing needs and desires of customers lies in emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The Management has therefore commissioned the pioneers of architectural projects in wood in Hungary, Hello Wood, to implement the largest development of Westend since its opening - the renovation of the food court

The new concept of the food court: accessible community space

The design team at Hello Wood has created a concept that combines research findings with visitor expectations and the values represented by Westend, while ensuring the highest level of compliance with ESG guidelines. This is how Food&Friends by Westend was born, which functions not only as a modern food court but also as a community space. Hello Wood has also designed and created a series of unique, site-specific, and accessible furniture.

Oak wood furnishings and LED wall for a space of comfort and relaxation

The goal of the project is to create a unique atmosphere inspired by nature, facilitating the flow of visitors by incorporating different themed areas and cutting-edge technologies. The oak furnishings, made of locally sourced wood with FSC certification, embody a commitment to sustainability throughout the production process. The uniquely shaped furniture provides visitors with comfortable resting points amidst the harmonious atmosphere created by natural wooden elements. The focal point of the space features a monumental 28-meter long LED wall, which creates an engaging decoration, and the color-adjustable lighting above the walkways creates unique atmospheres, positively influencing the mood and senses of visitors.

Technologies, utilities, and ergonomics for a top visitor experience

The seating design has been strategically improved, resulting in a 10% increase in seating capacity. The new seats are equipped with wireless chargers and USB ports, and the pursued philosophy of zero-waste has led to the creative use of reclaimed wood as a decorative element. The project prioritizes efficiency and energy savings by introducing measures such as innovative mechanical systems, LED lighting, and efficient heat management.

Gallery

Nature-inspired renewal. The food court of Budapest’s largest shopping center becomes Food&Friends by Westend

Photo credits
Top image, content and gallery images: Bálint Jaksa

Designers credits
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)

PEOPLE

Hello Wood

Fő tér 1, Budapest 1033, Ungheria