Reimaging the Bank as a New Urban Public Cultural Space 

The project is a relocation of the Tokyo branch of the national bank of Indonesia, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). The client sought an innovative space that would serve multiple functions, including a bank branch, a social space for investors to gather and share ideas, and a showroom to promote the richness and warmth of Indonesian culture and its people. Our approach was to create an inviting space in the city center that maximizes its appeal to interact and engage with the large number of people passing through Tokyo daily. 

The complex requirements of the project included incorporating both Japanese and Indonesian aesthetics, showcasing modern Indonesian innovation, offering luxurious hospitality, and integrating BNI's corporate colors of orange and Tosca green into the space. They led us to apply an unfiltered design approach to capture the essence of the project's uniqueness. In other words, the design theme does not combine all the requirements into a single concept but rather embodies and sublimates them into a new personality original to the space and its clients. 

A louvered roof is built over the two main volumes of the reception desk area and the lounge space. It has a mirror effect that creates an infinite expanse and a dynamic visual effect that draws the eye inward, which also gives a sense of Japanese modernity and lightness. Ample space is set aside for public functions, such as display cases, lounge, and waiting areas. Passersby can get a glimpse of the staff and clients interacting and enjoy the Indonesian art and movies on display. The conventionally rigid atmosphere of a bank has been transformed into a comfortable space where everyone can experience the vibrant Indonesian culture. In addition, we have carefully selected the interior finishing materials that are domestically produced for sustainable procurement. 

Many unique elements are blending harmoniously to create an intriguing ambiance that only BNI can offer. While the plaster walls express the simplicity and efficiency expected of a bank, white marble expresses the luxury as the hospitality of this particular branch. The corporate colors are given a modern twist as accent colors, whereas unique Indonesian crafts are displayed throughout the space. The multifaceted appearance represents the very spirit of BNI, connecting Indonesia and Japan while reflecting the bank's goal to become a global bank that takes roots in local communities.