Shikatani Lacroix and China-based partner MetaThink were awarded an Honorable Mention in Commercial Competition at the 10th annual International Design Awards for their collaborative design of China Zheshang Bank.
IDA honorary juries examined over 1000 entries submitted by architects and designers of interiors, fashion, products, and graphics from 52 countries throughout the world. After final decisions had been made, the jury rewarded the best professional and emerging designers for their achievements in terms of design, creativity, usability and innovation. Judging was a rigorous process, with winners receiving publication of their work in the International Design Awards Book of Designs. The coveted IDA trophy will be awarded to all Designer of the Year title winners at the official biennial International Design Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
“It’s thrilling to be recognized by IDA,” said Shikatani Lacroix president Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “I’d like to thank our partners at CZ Bank and MetaThink for giving us the opportunity to work on such an innovative project that used both design and technology in new and interesting ways.”
CZ Bank’s newly designed immersive bank branch is a hub of both conventional banking and digital services that begins with the customer at the center of the experience. Shikatani Lacroix partnered with MetaThink to design a new channel strategy and branch experience that leveraged CZ Bank’s new identity and brand position. Pioneering a blend of AR, VR and neuroscience, emotional response testing drove the design of the new branch.
Digital experiences help attract and retain customers along the path to purchase, while unique architectural elements with interactive queuing stations help customers navigate the branch. Tablets and digital learning zones with curved screens and gesture controlled interactivity help educate visitors and VR zones allow customers to experience a virtual banking concierge or relax in a beautiful park setting. The new branches also feature a VIP banking and wealth management area with premium finishes, comfortable seating and real-time financial information and news.
