Budapest, Hungary
The transformation of MaxCity began with a bold vision: world-renowned designer Karim Rashid was invited to completely reimagine the mall’s interior spaces. Known for his signature organic forms and vibrant colors, Karim introduced a concept that pulses with energy and movement. His visionary sketches laid the foundation for Hello Wood, who brought this vision to life with meticulous detail. At the core of his design is the concept of FLOW – a seamless visual and spatial rhythm that guides visitors through the space, connecting them with every corner of the building.
“At MaxCity, I wanted to craft a fluid, optimistic world where color and form guide people through space with ease and emotion. A mall dedicated to design must itself feel alive, contemporary, and in tune with today’s technological possibilities. By opening the ceilings, liberating the geometry, and embracing vibrant hues, we transformed the environment into a living landscape. I wanted the space to feel light, airy, and free, an environment where openness enhances comfort and clarity. Design should elevate our daily rituals, uplifting the human spirit and celebrating the beauty of our contemporary world.” said Karim Rashid
Color played a central role in this concept: every space features two dominant shades, one of which is always yellow – a color symbolizing energy, joy, and optimism. The other tone is adapted to the function of the space: corridors glow in green and magenta, the community area in orange, and the entrance area is bathed in blue. The mirrored relationship between the ceiling and floor further enhances the sense of continuity and movement.
“We started the collaboration with great ambition, and from the first discussions, we got to know Karim as a lead designer who communicated in an open and thoughtful way. He was open to manufacturing and execution suggestions, which allowed for a unique collaboration to take place.” said András Huszár, CEO of Hello Wood.
By completely removing the suspended ceiling, the space opened upwards, creating a more generous and airy atmosphere. The newly spray-painted white ceilings across 5,400 m² create a bright, harmonious experience, allowing the interplay of colors and light to fully unfold.
The concept also carries a social message, reflected through Karim Rashid’s iconic pictograms placed throughout the space. These symbols convey the values of community, family, love, and togetherness – values that form the core identity of both MaxCity and Hello Wood: family, love, community.
The first phase of the project covered approximately 3,900 m², including retail areas, corridors, and restrooms. The LED lighting runs over 2.5 kilometers throughout the building, with custom-made elements produced using CNC technology to match the design language. As part of the unified visual identity, every store received a new lightbox sign composed of over 120 individual elements, guiding visitors rhythmically through the space and strengthening the visual unity.
The restrooms, designed across three levels, feature distinct color schemes in lime, mandarin, and yellow. The custom-made washbasins stand out as key visual elements of the design, complemented by unique mirror shapes and urinals. The LED ceiling strip structures are made of wood and painted in vivid colors, balancing high-tech aesthetics with natural materials.
Furniture on the corridor, lighting elements in the atrium are custom-designed by Karim Rashid. The 3,300 m² of PVC flooring is also a bespoke development, as it was difficult to find a manufacturer capable of producing the bold, vibrant colors preferred over the more neutral tones in the market. Throughout the renovation, MaxCity remained fully operational, presenting unique organizational, logistical, and technical challenges for the team.
In the next phase, the creation of the restaurant and conference zone, along with the renewal of the facade, is planned, further strengthening the center’s iconic, contemporary character.
“MaxCity is a key meeting point for Hungarian design, providing a platform for local designers, showcasing international brands, offering inspiration, and actively shaping the culture of quality interior design,” said Zsófia Kovács, Center Manager of MaxCity.
The result is a space that is iconic, functional, and human-centered, perfectly embodying the shared values of Karim Rashid, MaxCity, and Hello Wood: courage, innovation, and a community-driven spirit.
Design: Karim Rashid
General Contractor: Hello Wood
Hello Wood Board: András Huszár, Dávid Ráday, Krisztián Tóth
Lead Designers: Karim Rashid (Karim Rashid Inc.)
Architectural Team: Ada Tache (Karim Rashid Inc.), Péter Oravecz and András Huszár, Eszter Oláh and Patrícia Toller (Hello Wood)
Project Manager: Csanád Karskó
Technical Preparation: Alexandra Farkas, Zsolt Hodgyai
Site Supervisors: Eszter Oláh, Patrícia Toller
Photography and Video: György Palkó
