Bank branches are often perceived as transactional spaces, lacking in human touch. However, when thoughtfully designed, they possess the power to attract foot traffic and constitute a major part of a bank’s brand identity.
In this blog, we’ll showcase five exceptional examples of thoughtful branch design, from Asia to Europe and North America. Each highlights how banks have seamlessly integrated branch design to enhance the overall customer experience. From choices of materials and finishes to floor plan layouts, these branches demonstrate the importance of strategic design in fostering meaningful connections with visitors.
HIGO BANK, JAPAN
Higo Bank in Japan redefines the banking experience through its nature- and community-oriented branch design. Departing from the conventional perception of banks as impersonal spaces, Higo Bank’s approach emphasizes sustainability and warmth. By acquiring forest land in Japan and adopting sustainable forestry practices, the bank demonstrates its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. Utilizing locally sourced wood, the bank creates a welcoming atmosphere with warm finishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows are used to allow ample natural light into the branch. Incorporating copper and nature-inspired design elements further enhances the branch’s aesthetic appeal, fostering a sense of connection with the surrounding environment.
This thoughtful design not only transforms the physical space but also elevates the overall customer experience, making it more inviting and localized. Through its emphasis on sustainability and community, Higo Bank showcases the potential of retail design to create spaces that are both functional and meaningful to the neighborhood they serve.
Image Source: Spoon & Tamago
INDUSTRIAL BANK, CHINA
Seamlessly blending humanistic design elements with advanced technology, Industrial Bank in China fosters a deep connection with customers while honoring the country’s heritage. Amid digital transformation, the bank prioritizes emotional bonds with visitors, guided by principles of connectivity, sustainability, and innovation.
At the flagship location, spacious areas are curated as community hubs for events, showcasing the bank’s commitment to fostering emotional connections beyond banking. An interactive virtual teller offers children an educational banking experience. The branch design also celebrates China’s cultural roots with graphics tracing the evolution of currency. Through this balanced design approach, Industrial Bank sets a new standard for banking experiences centered on care, connectivity, and culture.
Image Source: SLD
KOMERČNÍ BANKA, THE CZECH REPUBLIC
In the Czech Republic, Komerční Banka is revolutionizing traditional bank branches, setting a new standard for modern banking experiences: open, approachable, and welcoming. With a focus on user-centric design, Komerční Banka aims to seamlessly blend the convenience of digital banking with the familiarity of physical branches. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies into flexible and sleek design elements, Komerční Banka creates spaces that cater to the evolving needs of customers.
Open-office layouts encourage collaborative communication between clients and bankers, reminiscent of a cafe or co-working space. Near the entrance, there are large tables where visitors can relax and chat. As customers walk further into the branch, smaller tables are to facilitate more in-depth, 1-on-1 communication. With this design, clients sit next to bankers as peers in an equal position, instead of sitting across the desk with a computer monitor in between. Soundproof pods create private meeting spaces, ensuring confidentiality. Inspired by versatile mobile devices, the branch design embodies adaptability, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various architectural settings and floor plans.
Image Source: Framery
ZÜRCHER KANTONALBANK, SWITZERLAND
Zürcher Kantonalbank in Switzerland focuses on enhancing the brand experience and fostering financial well-being through brand design. Departing from transaction-based branches, the bank has transitioned towards versatile spaces. This evolution reflects a strategic response to the diminishing relevance of traditional sales-driven marketing.
Image Source: Zürcher Kantonalbank
At the heart of this transformation is the brand experience, encompassing everything from brand positioning and identity to digital platforms and physical spaces. The bank’s flagship branch offers multi-use spaces with interactive advice tools, digital workshops, books, and even coffee-to-go.
Image Source: Zürcher Kantonalbank
The branch experience aims to inspire customers in terms of financial well-being, providing resources and consultation for various aspects of life, work, and business. From workshops on housing, finance, and careers to family-friendly activities and a bar area for relaxation and brainstorming, Zürcher Kantonalbank is redefining the branch’s role as a hub for community engagement and personal development.
REGIONS BANK, U.S.
In the U.S., Regions Bank revamped its branches across the South to reflect transparency and innovation. Starting with a fresh brand identity centered on “Make Life Better,” they restructured sales processes for more personalized consultations, ditching traditional teller counters for interactive banking pods. They created open spaces, including large glass exteriors, to amplify the sense of connection and openness.
The makeover extended to a comprehensive 360-degree experience, including staff training and digital integration. They introduced universal banking pods with cash recyclers, empowering staff to offer efficient service. Digital displays showcased social causes, while iPads in waiting areas presented product information. The design emphasized transparency, with big windows and bright lighting showcasing digital services around the clock. This flexible approach ensured consistency across Regions Bank’s 1,700 branches, delivering an upgraded banking experience tailored to today’s needs.
Image Source: SLD
THE TAKEAWAY
The evolution of bank branch design reflects a broader shift towards multi-use spaces, customer-centric experiences, and holistic brand engagement. Across the world, banks are reimagining their physical spaces as hubs for interaction, education, and financial empowerment. From sustainability-oriented designs in the East to technology-integrated environments in the West, each example highlights the importance of balancing tradition with innovation.
By embracing flexibility and transparency, banks are creating environments that inspire trust, foster loyalty, and drive change. The takeaway is clear: the future of branch banking lies in the seamless integration of transaction and experience, where every interaction contributes to a meaningful brand journey for customers.
