Page 71 - AIT1223_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design bkp GmbH, Düsseldorf
Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan
Grundriss Obergeschoss • Upper floor plan
Bauherr • Client Stadtsparkasse Wuppertal
Standort • Location Islandufer 15, Wuppertal
Nutzfläche • Floor space 810 m 2
Fotos • Photos Annika Feuss, Köln
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 126
STADTSPARKASSE
IN WUPPERTAL
The Stadtsparkasse in Wuppertal has opened a new branch
that doesn’t want to look like a bank. The interior, created
by the team of bkp in Düsseldorf, generates an informal
atmosphere. The space is characterised by a distinctive rib
structure inspired by the city’s landmark: the suspension
monorail over the Wupper River. For this, it was awarded
2 place at the German Interior Design Award 2023.
nd
A dmittedly, bank branches are rarely suspected of providing spa-
tial experiences. That a different effect can indeed be achieved is
evident in Wuppertal. The local Stadtsparkasse (savings bank) wants
to turn the visit to their bank into an experience. For this purpose,
bkp Innen:Architekten from Düsseldorf was entrusted with planning
the interiors of a new branch. It is located in the listed Köbo-Haus
from the 1920s, which is directly connected to the suspension mono-
rail station at the main station. There is no more central location
in the city. Banks today face challenges similar to those posed to
offices: they must provide a reason for people to move from home
offices or sofas to their premises. Everyday financial transactions are
done at home on laptops or on smartphones while out and about.
The branch must offer more than just fulfil functional uses: it must
become a place of human interaction. This involves creating relaxed
environments that break down barriers. This already begins at the
entrance, where tables with Eames Plastic Chairs resemble a café.
Behind, the space is divided by a uniform sequence of arches that
become narrower with the depth of the floor plan, like the scenes
of a theatre stage. The inspiration comes from the supports of the
famous suspension monorail crossing the Wupper River. In the front
part of the room, ATMs and displayed goods of a shop for regional
products are integrated into the niches between the arches. Wooden
platforms offer informal seating. Next is a coffee bar with terracotta
tiles, the centrepiece of the bank branch where the conversation with
customers begins. Consultations take place at large wooden tables in
the rear part of the ground floor to maintain the necessary peace and
discretion. There are no stationary computers. Documents disappear
into wooden cabinets that fit precisely between the arches. On the
first floor, an event hall for up to 80 people has been set up, with
direct access to the street. Thus, the space can be used not only by
the bank but also freely rented. In conclusion: A bank branch must
be able to do more today. It must connect people.
AIT 12.2023 • 071