| Home > Articles > Bank On It : On Designing A Bank. |
|
| Bank On It : On Designing A Bank. |
|
|
| Designing a bank is not just about aesthetics; in-built quality systems, compliance to safety and continuity of business at all costs play equally important roles |
|
|
The next time you walk into a bank, with its efficient and inviting spaces, consider this: it has not been designed just with its appealing looks in mind, but with a variety of factors involving safety issues, continuity of business and maintenance of efficiency. Banks have strict compliance systems and in order to allow for these they do not mind spending more on initial investments. Foreign banks involve three or four categories of spaces-the branches, standardized corporate office, branches offering consumer services, retail services, and where corporate clients are involved, where there is huge transfer of money, deposits and corporate loans. Besides these, there are back-up offices with centralized data services and securities. Architect Premnath, who has designed Citibank interiors, says foreign banks are generally governed by their headquarters and by different time zones. Their networks being extensive, these banks set up high-end systems, where the cabling systems, server rooms, networking and communication are all geared to serve for 24/7 days. The stress is on zero breakage plus security. There should be no hacking of data and security available in data and communication. Access control is another feature. The security system and access is designed to protect against vandalism.
All these call for materials that are strong and of high quality, be it in the electrical fittings, cabling, glass partitions, counters, workstations. In-built quality is their requirement. They have an efficient team to look after the day-to-day maintenance of their systems to allow for smooth functioning. They are time-conscious and make a schedule for their requirements. As far as the visible part of interior fit-outs is concerned, they plan for efficient, high-end, high quality tried and tested out fitouts. Their conference and video-conferencing rooms are meant to serve high-end staff and require efficient functioning. The designer concerned should thus have knowledge of the latest technology, the materials available and assemble a team together to do the work in a clockwork manner. Foreign banks are liberal in using luxurious materials. Since they invest heavily in the back-up engineering, equal accent is also given to the ambience.
They believe in the high tech, trendy look, which spells luxury and efficiency. The spacious look is also important for them in all spaces, be it the work hall, rest rooms, canteen, back-up spaces. Any kind of cramped space, they believe, leads to inefficiency and disaster. The aim is to create an informal, inviting and attractive look, where the customer or visitor is made to feel that he has come to a special place. The accent is on reducing human interface and allowing self-guided software, be it in e-banking, ATMs, access control etc. They also have international network, ATMs and credit card services. In some cases, foreign banks are also known for their understated elegant looks. The accent here is on a progressive, modern, comfortable and efficient look, which is seen as being cost effective environment in the long run. Architect Rajiv Shroff, who has designed foreign banks and other foreign officers, says safety and security are given prime importance and the officers are designed to ensure that the staircases, the elevators and the design in general, allow for the last person to come out of the building in minimal time. There are actual calculations done to see how much time it would take for the staff to evacuate during emergencies. Sefety audits are conducted in these companies.
Power backup is another important criterion. These banks would like to continuity in business at all times and hence provide for power backups, including 100% UPS wherever possible. The building chosen to house their office takes into consideration all these factors. For instance, many
buildings in Nariman Point do not satisfy their conditions in terms of fire safety standards or fire escape systems, power backup requirements. These banks would thus prefer to relocate to a new building that may not be in the prime area but offers such facilities. Giving an example he says, there was this case of a building in Churchgate which was over 40 years old and satisfied all criteria in terms of prime location and other conveniences, but the particular foreign banks headquarters rejected it on the grounds that considering the life of the average building to be 60 years, this would not satisfy their requirements. Often, the plans and detailing have to be approved by the headquarters, under clear guidelines as to the space and other requirements that fit into the bank philosophy.
Space is utilized to the maximum extent possible but not at the cost of customer and staff comfort. They generally look at 100 to 150 sq ft per head. Functional requirements dictate the space requirements and style. All areas are equally important, be it the reception, the work area or the MDs cabin. The MD would no doubt have a glass front but this is dictated more by need rather than any decorative look. Cleanliness and hygiene call for four to five air changes per hour in air-conditioning systems, which would lead to fresh air and a cool atmosphere. Banks are thus ready to invest in this even if it means more costs. These offices are planned for future expansion, since their experience in other markets allows them to know the future direction the business will take. Most banks have experience movement, NRIs and Indians who travel frequently using their services. Hence they are expected to maintain the same standards in terms of look and efficiency Fire and smoke detector systems, FM 200, CCTV and other security systems are also important criteria for which they try to adhere to international standards.
According to Mr. Arvind Krishnan, who holds a savings account with HSBC Bank, banks like HSBC were the first to offer ATMs in the country. The ambience in these banks is no doubt good and the minute you step in, you have personnel coming up to you to look after your needs. Kiran Sharma, who holds an account with a nationalised bank and the Standard Chartered bank, says the service is very good in these banks. The Indian banks are taking a cue and in changes.
Foreign banks with their global network allow you access to your account from anywhere in the world. They have special consultants to look after their privileged customers, to advise these customers about lax saving schemes etc. Telephone banking, e-banking are some other facilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Become a Writer |
| You can contribute article on technology management trade or related topics and get noticed on the web for Free. |
| Learn More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your Comments