188 Quay Street Lobby

Located in the heart of Auckland's city centre, 188 Quay Street is one of New Zealand's most significant commercial buildings. The recent modernisation of the lobby is an example of architectural excellence, combining form and function in a space that is both visually impressive and highly functional.

The Profilbauglas walls not only enhance the appearance, but also contribute to the functionality of the lobby by creating defined yet open spaces.

With the comprehensive redesign of the lobby at 188 Quay Street in Auckland (also known as HSBC Tower), the once austere passageway has been transformed into a welcoming, vibrant space. Originally built in the late 1990s, the entrance hall was redesigned in 2021 by architects Warren & Mahoney. The aim of the modernisation was to create a multifunctional space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The new spatial concept is based on clear zoning, which is divided into three main areas: ‘Work’, “Meet” and ‘Eat’. Flexible work islands, modern meeting rooms and an inviting café area with a grab-and-go kiosk offer space for productive work, spontaneous meetings and relaxed breaks. The design deliberately aims to blur the boundaries between work, interaction and relaxation.

A special highlight are the glass ‘pavilions’ in the centre of the lobby – light-flooded structures reminiscent of modern conservatories. Combined with lush planting and mobile planters, they create an atmosphere reminiscent of a green atrium. This so-called ‘Green Bowl’ gives the space a surprising sense of calm and naturalness – right in the middle of Auckland's bustling city centre.

The choice of materials underlines this approach: natural stone, soft textiles and glass from LAMBERTS, produced with environmental and sustainability aspects in mind, create a high-quality, understated elegance. Light grey tones and well-thought-out lighting create a harmonious atmosphere that invites you to linger.

The project received several awards in 2022 for its forward-looking design, including a Silver Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards and a Bronze Pin at the prestigious Best Awards.

The redesign of the lobby at 188 Quay Street impressively demonstrates how a functional passageway can be transformed into an inspiring space – open, flexible, green and ready for the working worlds of today and tomorrow.