Branch concept for Sparebanken Vest - Customer meeting areas, seating and display solutions

Photo: Grid Design AS

Photo: Grid Design AS

Photo: Grid Design AS

Photo: Grid Design AS

Photo: Grid Design AS

 

BANKS and insurance services are often regarded as being generic. In other words, banks more or less offer identical products in the same way. Sparebanken Vest has developed a branch concept where the counters are gone and the whole area of the bank is used as a meeting place and work area.

Jury`s verdict

This branch concept creates a convincingly dynamic image, making it stand out from the traditionally conservative internal décor which banks have. This solution creates a comfortable environment, reflecting a vibrant and positive outlook. It means that customers and advisers can meet as equal partners. The bank is publicly stating that meeting customers is particularly important to them.

The concept seems to be a natural extension of the bank's graphic design scheme, based on good, clear and coherent communication. There is an interesting switch between different media: transparent materials, separated areas, graphical outlines, organic versus rigid elements. The large variation in design elements is linked together by the use of a limited range of colours - white and red for the overall identity. It is exciting and innovative that a bank conveys its design concept to its customers to such an extent.

Company: Sparebanken Vest

Project group company: Prosjektleder: Vivian Eikestad, Sparebanken Vest - Prosjekteier: Jan Erik Kjerpeseth, Sparebanken Vest - Markedssjef: Aina Tysse, Sparebanken Vest - Senior innkjøpsansvarlig: Henry Lien, Sparebanken Vest - Byggeansvarlig: Bjarne Thunes, Sparebanken Vest

Design: GRID Design AS

Project group design company: Frank Høgseth: designansvarlig/interiørdesigner, GRID - Martin Nordseth: Grafisk designer, GRID - Elin Bacakert Rasmussen: Interiørarkitekt, GRID - Harald Viberg: industridesigner, GRID - Caroline von Hoynigen-Huun: prosjektleder, GRID - Henning B. Gustavsen: rådgiver/konsulent, GRID

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2009

Category: Furniture design