Hang Seng Bank Central QRC Central Branch

PRIVATE BANK PROJECT HANG SENG FLAGSHIP BRANCH, QRC, HK Location: Hing Wai Building, 36 Queen's Road central., Hong Kong Project area/ size: 5,000 sq ft Year commenced & Completed: 2021- 2022 Ever-growing Our inspiration behind the concept design of QRC Flagship Store stems from the name ‘Hang Seng’ which translates to ‘ever-growing’. This phrase in English immediately relates to nature & flora and natural materials. The timber curtain screens act as a reveal which creates a dramatic welcome for the patrons, re-producing the experience in the forest. We incorporated LED lighting to create movement and provide brand presence, whilst retaining the existing glazed facade for transparency. The Prestige Banking interior continues the narrative of nature, connected by a feature staircase from the mass banking underneath. The mass banking is light & fresh, whereas the prestige makes use of a richer palette and sumptuous natural finishes. Reinterpretation of the Bank By considering the changing landscape of retail and banking, particularly with the increasing functions and autonomy presented by online banking, we reinterpreted the typical retail banking space based on the simple question, "what does the future of retail banking look like?". We believe there will be a strong need for physical in-person banking services. The flag-ship branch intends to create a human-centric space to provide comfortable, welcoming & functional spaces to achieve the highest quality of service. Mass & Prestige Banking on two floors entertain different needs with dynamic separations and the aesthetic of growing across the exterior facade and interior spaces. We believe that now, as well as in the future, there will be a strong place for physical in-person banking services, but the key difference is that branches will be human-centric spaces, based on the quality of service and personable assistance to customers. Our client is also very much aware of this and insists on innovation in this area. The resulting branch is designed around the customer's comfort, rather than geared to perform typical transactions; both the Mass & Prestige floors are warm and inviting, using non-typical materials, which give a sense of comfort and luxury as experienced in high-end hospitality spaces.