'If we don't deliver the unexpected, we will only disappoint"
And that's the exact approach London based design consultancy allen international took when delivering the latest edition to Bank of Ireland's (BOI) branch network at Dublin City University (DCU)
Officially opened in DCU on 11th December 2013 by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, the branch welcomes over 15,000 students and staff as well as an additional 250,000 visitors to the new banking service - banking that is as dynamic and ambitious as the campus itself.
New account openings and building strong brand loyalty were key drivers for the banks strategic decision to be located on campus.
Speaking at the opening, Richie Boucher, Group Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland, said "We continue to open branches where we have business opportunities to engage with existing and potential customers.
Our national branch network is of vital strategic importance to us and we regard a branch network as an integral part of our multi-channel approach to serving our customers. Our strategic focus on and investment in our branch network ensures that we are the provider of financial services embedded in local communities in over 250 urban and rural towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland.
"To be the trusted 'Financial Guide' on campus and beyond"
The new design creates a bold retail statement, presenting the offer in a simple yet dynamic way.
allen international blurred the boundaries of the branch with the creation of a bi-folding glass facade which once fully opened enables students and customers to 'hang out' inside the space, making it feel more like a student union chill out area. A strong architectural gateway wall runs directly through the middle of the space. Using the analogy of a 'social media gateway' this space allows students and faculty staff to investigate and interact with BOI's digital offerings and features high impact content – a mixture of key product and channel messages including hero sports sponsorships, a digital notice board and competitions. New touch screens introduce customers to products and service solutions that they can then explore at their own pace and leisure. As students and customers step through this gateway wall, they're met with online booths, self-service ATMs and meeting rooms all helping to create a relaxed environment in which to chat with BOI advisors. The new gateway meeting room is kitted out with all the usual necessities and amenities of a modern sleek meeting room – complete with coffee facilities and screens to road test that important presentation. In the future this room could be used to hold club & society meetings, student final year presentations and a multitude of bank events adding value to the DCU community and account holders.
The design makes life a lot easier than before as customers get to know the branch layout it then becomes easier, as they find their own way to telephone and 365 banking.
The overall look and feel of the design has purposely been stripped back and is appropriate for the student and faculty campus staff. A simple palette of polished concrete and bleached wood as well as a simple clean graphic style create a warm and relaxed environment which all work to support a more contemporary and relevant style that BOI wish to extend beyond the campus.
Brian MacCraith, President, DCU, commented: "We are very pleased that Bank of Ireland has chosen DCU as the location for its cutting-edge, concept branch. Its design is in keeping with DCU's culture of innovation and it will be an important resource for our students and staff."
For small steps, for big steps…for life!
