BANK AND AUTHORIRY BUILDINGS

Dear Readers,

it is in the nature of things to look back at the end of the year. We prefer to look forward resolutely and make the best of the new year. For us this means: After our colleague, xia editor-in-chief Friedrich Dassler retired last summer, we will relaunch our building construction magazine in January 2020. For 25 years and in 107 issues of xia Intelligente Architektur, Friedrich Dassler has contributed to making building more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable – we would like to express our thanks once again! We now have both the opportunity and the obligation to take on this legacy and lead it successfully into the future. On 3 January 2020, xia by AIT 1.2020 will be published with a new layout, in German and English, with an expanded scope and a new editorial focus – according to the motto: “Good architecture has to burn, it has to flow, rise into the air and yet be firmly anchored in the ground!” Be curious – we have made every effort! However, this did not stop us from approaching this AIT issue on banks and authorities, with the usual commitment. It becomes evident that this building task in particular is subject to major structural changes, as it reflects, both in the financial and in the social field, what society and the individual citizen expects from these institutions. Today’s banks are straightforward, friendly and transparent; public authorities are open, bright and empathetic – customer friendliness is a top priority. See for yourself from page 92! As every year, Christmas is just around the corner, so we invite you to take part in our annual AIT Christmas raffle. On page 90 you can see the gifts await you. Just send us an e-mail with your address to weihnachten@ait-online.de by 16 December. We thank you for your loyalty and wish you a relaxing Christmas and a peaceful 2020!

Best wishes
Petra Stephan, Dipl.-Ing.
Chief Editor
Architect