Banking On Design

Though they may differ in design concept and variation of forms and angles, they all have a central motif. As the competition in the banking industry intensifies, the financial institutions are looking towards designers to project their beauty, appeal and individualistic identities. When competition wasn’t so generally cut-throat and emerging new generation banks were merely engaged in outdoing their first generation seniors, banking halls were conceived to just convey strong impressions of solidity. These days, emphasis has shifted to aesthetics and allure of the building to arrest, interest and retain the desire of the customer.

Ojo Sunday Kolawole, a Lagos-based architect, explained that most banks have come up with a particular design which seeks to project a brand identity and unique selling point. The result is that the banks have added architectural design as a major item of competition. Building design is beginning to act as a fashion statement and a special brand projection tool.

For Equitorial Trust Bank, ETB, the new identity comes in the shape of a post-modern architectural masterpiece structured to provide a feeling of beauty and formality to the bystander. With its red logo clearly pasted slightly above the rectangular-shaped windows, the ambience of flowing elegance is sustained with special wall decoration and parapet walls projected above the roofing heights. The windows come in the form of a powder-coated red aluminium frame with reflective attributes. To celebrate the entrance, the roof of the main entrance is sheathed with dampalon which creates the ambience of grace and elegance. To create visual continuity, the structure is fenced with collapsible and transparent iron walling which maintains the mandatory six-metre distance from the building line and at the same time allows for spacious car park outside.

The new design for Intercontinental Bank is not different in character from that of ETB, excepty in colour. The buildings, which are usually a single storey house, are fitted with roof gutter and projected parapet walls. The entrance is made to look imposing and sits squarely at the epi-centre of the façade which is finished with imposing mosaic tiles. The windows come in a unique rectangular shape made of anodised aluminium frame with reflective glass.
Looking at the new Diamond Bank building, the following features will strike the visitor. The façade comes in an imposing cubed shaped structure finished with grey alucobond. The concept allows for a recessed façade and a jumbo inner cotton walling. The bank’s buildings have normal wall fencing far from the building line thus allowing customers to park within the bank premises. In line with its brand name, Access Bank’s buildings mostly have no fence or outer walling facing the entrance. The structures have a simple concept devoid of extensive elaboration and rococo colorations. The left corner of the roof height bears the bank’s trademark dotted with three orange colour indicators placed on blue background. Below and atop the single story edifice is the three window façade placed on granite tills. The aluminium windows are made blue powdered aluminium frames with reflective glass. The casement is surrounded with projected window woods painted in white and flushed in other colours to harmonise the effect. To celebrate the entrance, three orange colour indicators lead the visitor to the banking hall.