AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.03.2003, Page 14

GLÁMA - KÍM , Architects
New
Design
Emphases at
fslandsbanki hf
All companies have to create a
niche within their service and mar-
keting areas in order to secure a
good operation, that incorporates
ambitious service, efficient organi-
sation, good appearance, pleasant
working conditions and an impres-
sive environment, adaptable to dif-
ferent conditions. It is therefore
important for companies in the
service sector to formulate a clear
and easily understood concept that
can be adapted to different circum-
stances.
In recent years, GLÁMA-KÍM has
redesigned the interiors of íslands-
banki hf. and planned new branch-
es. The goal has been to create a
clear and comprehensive look for
the branches, which emphasize
the service and image of íslands-
banki hf. To achieve the best possi-
ble results, close cooperation has
taken place between the architects
and the employees of the bank.
Interiors are usually influenced by
the buildings in which they are
located.
There is however, a difference in the
approach to the interior design
depending on whether a new build-
ing is being built or an and the inte-
rior design is affected by whether
the project is a new build or a refur-
bishment. Thus, the age and style
of the building is often reflected in
the interiors.
fslandsbanki hf. has 29 branches
throughout lceland. Different sizesd
spaces and circumstances create
a variety, which has to be given a
unified style to highlight which serv-
ices on offer. The goal is to create
a modern, adaptable and trustwor-
thy branch. Customer Service areas
emphasize openness with good
visibility, stressing the importance of
service. An attempt has been made
to make the branches easily adapt-
able to changes in activities. With
these goals in mind, a number of
different branches have been refur-
bished.
The íslandsbanki branch at
Laugavegur 116 is in a building
designed by the architect
Gunnlaugur Halldórsson, in the
spirit of the “Modern Movement”.
The new image of the branch takes
this into account. The new fagade
is glass in an aluminium frame,
flush with the front elevation. Within
it is the lobby, automatic teller
machine, and the large window of
the service area. The windows are
made as large as possible to
increase the visibility and trans-
parency of the branch. The plan-
ning of the service area is simple
and rational (practical?). The
cashiers are at the front of the
space while personal service advis-
ers are placed further back to
ensure a more private, quiet inter-
action.
Other sections of the branch are
located to the side and at the
back. In this way, the service area
can be larger and more spacious.
Glass is used to further enlarge the
service area and sand-blasted
glass at the back of the branch
emphasizes the depth of the space
and permits light to enter. The
workspaces of the Director of
Service and Cashier have glass
walls to ensure visual
cohesion. The division of the space
is emphasized by the use of materi-
als. Ceilings are suspended for
acoustic reasons and to hide serv-
ices without reducing the space
and the impact of the structure of
the building.
GLÁMA-KÍM also designed the
interior of the Íslandsbankí branch
in the shopping centre, Smáralind
in Kópavogur. The design of this
branch is influenced by its being
inside a large shopping mall. The
use of materials is in keeping with
its surroundings. Concrete walls are
dominant, where the concrete is
untreated and forms background
for the interior and the choice of
materials. The planning of the
space and the general look is in
keeping with the same goals as in
the branch at Laugavegur 116. As
much use as possible is made of
the floor to ceiling height. The serv-
ice and sales representatives are
situated near to the hub of the
shopping centre and are easily visi-
ble from the main concourse. ■
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