bkp GmbH

The newly refurbished branch of the Raiffeisenbank Bludenz in Austria breaks new ground in the banking sector: progressive in its design and its strategy, it does not lose touch with its roots. Visual concepts used in the field of shop design help to present the — arguably abstract — products and services in an emotional and eye-catching way.

The typical customer lobby is no more: open spaces alternate with closed areas in organic shapes instead, dissolving boundaries and inviting clients to explore the premises. Organically shaped feature light fittings and lounge areas define freestanding islands, which correspond with the design language of the interior. A mix of warm anthracite tones and the corporate identity yellow make for a refined appearance and blend with light oak finishes.
Additionally, presentation areas showcase the offered services. Timber or coloured bands surrounding the interior walls can take easily changeable panels and boards which advertise the various products. The design strategy is emotional, modern and customer-oriented. The banking services are presented in such a way that the customers feel they purchase something they can take home with them.

Lounge areas invite the customer to stay. The deep pile rug, the string curtains and the high quality furniture fit out make for a relaxed atmosphere that reminds one of a hotel lobby rather than a bank. An eye-catching feature are the lighting objects, which are made of drums in various sizes and finishes. These cluster in places to highlight different communication areas such as the lounge, information point and café.

The adjoining café, which can be separated from the bank area by means of a glazed partition system, offers fresh pastries and beverages. It has already become a popular meeting place for guests of all age groups. Shapes and colours are drawn from the overall design concept of the bank — however with a striking pink as a colour feature. Both enterprises profit from the concept of cross-selling, providing each other with new customers.

The customer consulting rooms are another visual highlight. In their design, these rooms relate directly to the local region and thus serve to facilitate both initiating the customer dialogue and securing customer loyalty. Typical design clues from old-fashioned wooden parlours are re-interpreted here and linked up to the expectations of the iPhone generation: modern design classics, e.g. the chairs, combine with solid wooden pieces of furniture. On the walls, large format photographs show a panorama of local mountain stretches. Semi-transparent yellow circles mark interesting destinations and the glass walls feature a design to match: Circular shapes, fading in and out from above and below, provide discretion and add to the cheerful atmosphere. Here, too, lighting drum clusters underline the casual fusion look.

In this way, a signature brand environment has been created, a space that focuses on the direct and personal encounter between people and their bank.