People's Choice Experimental
A view looking back towards the entrance, demonstrating the branch's layering of light, timber, and digital media.

The Activity Hub and Entrance

A view looking back towards the entrance, demonstrating the branch's layering of light, timber, and digital media.

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The spatial arrangement of the Melbourne branch is designed to feel active and visible from the moment a person approaches the threshold. By placing the most dynamic elements—such as the high-top collaboration tables and vibrant digital displays—near the front, the design creates a sense of momentum and energy. This "retail-first" layout ensures that the branch feels like a busy, productive environment, moving away from the quiet, sometimes intimidating atmosphere of traditional banking halls.

Looking from the rear of the branch towards the entrance, the design’s success in creating a "human-scale" environment is clearly visible. The central communal benches act as the anchor for the entire space, providing a solid, functional area for staff to assist members with digital queries or quick account reviews. The timber cladding on the base of these tables matches the light oak finishes found on the walls and floors, creating a cohesive architectural language that feels both premium and approachable.

Above the workstations, the geometric timber lattice creates a stunning visual rhythm that leads the eye toward the open shopfront. This overhead structure does more than just look good; it serves as a flexible framework for the branch’s lighting and biophilic elements. Black metal troughs filled with overflowing greenery are suspended directly over the areas where people gather, providing a natural canopy that softens the industrial lines of the ceiling. The mix of warm, exposed filament bulbs and focused spotlights ensures that the work surfaces are perfectly lit, while the rest of the branch maintains a soft, comfortable glow.

The use of colour is strategically applied to guide the member’s journey. To the right, a bright yellow ceiling bulkhead and structural column serve as a high-visibility marker for the brand, while to the left, a large digital screen embedded in a yellow feature wall provides a constant source of movement and information. Even the smaller details, like the black-framed gallery of botanical prints and the integrated planters in the low-level dividers, contribute to a sense of well-being. This view perfectly captures how the design balances the efficiency of a high-tech digital hub with the warmth and comfort of a community-focused social space.

More on this project

A full-length perspective of the Melbourne branch, showcasing the integration of social, digital, and advisory zones.

The Panoramic Branch Experience

Communal high tables and semi-private lounge areas designed for modern member engagement.

The Agile Workspace and Member Lounge

A dual-purpose zone featuring automated teller services alongside a sleek digital interaction bar.

The Digital High Bar and ATM Zone

A dedicated advisory zone featuring ergonomic seating and a bespoke timber meeting table.

The Collaboration and Advisory Table

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A view of the relaxed lounge area and communal working zones.

The Community Lounge and Social Strip

Large-scale acoustic pendant lights paired with geometric timber framing.

Acoustics and Architectural Lighting

An expansive view of the open-plan layout, highlighting the mix of digital media, social zones, and retail displays.

The Multi-Zoned Member Hub

A shared refreshment bar and informal workstation designed to facilitate relaxed financial planning.

The Refreshment and Advice Station

A modern banking hall featuring automated service points and bespoke seating pods.

The Transaction and Lounge Wing

High-backed acoustic booths designed for personal financial discussions and focused member support.

The Semi-Private Consultation Pods

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A streamlined service bar featuring integrated touchscreens and community-focused imagery.

The Digital Interactive Zone

A comprehensive view of the open-plan branch layout, showcasing the harmonious flow between different member zones.

The Integrated Branch Ecosystem

A series of semi-private consultation pods integrated with high-impact digital branding.

The Consultation Pods

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A relaxed seating area featuring a leather sofa, bespoke rug, and integrated greenery.

The Member Lounge

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LONDON
The Ministry,
79-81 Borough Road,
London SE1 1DN, United Kingdom
44 20740 36132

SYDNEY
Level 3, 223 Liverpool St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Australia
61 29319 0933


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