It is not entirely without irony that the prototype of an innovative, completely open-plan bank was created in Zurich, where some of the world’s largest gold reserves lie in vaults behind metre-thick walls.

But entering the newly designed offices of Raiffeisenbank on Kreuzplatz does not immediately give rise to the feeling of being in a bank. All the barriers that normally characterise banks and their dealings with customers have been completely done away with. In addition, the very latest technologies make the entire infrastructure largely invisible. The bank itself becomes an open space that is more redolent of the high-end designs of classy boutiques than the sobriety of a banking hall. Thus, all the walls are designed as elegantly flowing membranes, enabling communication between the various functional areas such as the lounge, where customers can find information on the latest products and services, and those spaces where people can withdraw to do business – in particular the work areas and meeting rooms. The concept of the architects therefore casts the differently assigned areas into a smooth continuum – a pleasant effect that is strengthened by the dynamic lighting. Above the workstations, XAL Meno luminaires are integrated into the ceiling for powerful accents while the warmth required in the meeting rooms is mostly provided through indirect light.

Meanwhile, the wall panelling appears at first sight to be a random arrangement of triangular omissions. Only with the necessary spatial distance and on second inspection does it become clear that these are portraits of local celebrities including Arnold Böklin, Gottfried Semper, and Johanna Spyri, the world-famous author of "Heidi".

Architect
Marc Guinand, Jean-Lucien Gay & Michael Brown, DGJ+NAU arge, Zurich

Lighting designer
Jörg and Inge Sommerlatte, Zurich

Photographer
Jan Bitter