DeNovo Bank Design

SOLUTION M&T’s philosophy for improving recognition transcended the logo and embraced architectural design to communicate the brand. The DeNovo design of this 4,200 SF, LEED Gold, commercial retail bank has extended the fresh and approachable brand image beyond fixtures and applications to the architecture of the branch. The greatest opportunity to demonstrate the brand is through their largest and most visible customer touch point – the retail bank branch network. The new building architecture is the brand experience. Our client depends heavily on the branch design to convey a distinctive and compelling image of the financial institution and its core values. The bold and iconic architectural elements for the medium sized Brooklyn Branch, located on the corner of New Jersey Ave and Atlantic Ave, adds unique and recognizable elements that are attributed to the institutions’ headquarters. These functional building elements further serve as a physical manifestation of the new retail brand image. The exterior curved corner design allows the building to have continuity between the two primary street facing facades for maximum exposure. The open plan, interior, and exterior transparency reinforces the invitation within an urban setting to new and existing customers, all the while reinforcing the Bank brand. The spatial relationship of the entrance, customer service counter, banking hall and teller counters facilitates the intended flow through the service process. The glazed exterior wall and alignment of spaces provide views into and out of the branch to various activities. Visibility and transparency are desirable because they not only allow customers to see into and be drawn into the building, but they also provide occupants with visual stimulus and an interconnection with their surrounding community.