newitalianblood

045_Sparda Bank (invited competition, 2007) The scheme is based on Edward T. Halls theory of proxemics, a study on the individual’s need for personal space. To guarantee privacy within an open space, confidential conversations need to be protected by minimum distances. The proposal embraces the conflicting requirements of openness and privacy andencourages customers to ascend to the upper floors. A low-ceilinged Rustico welcomes the customer on street level. The ground floor is open to the public 24 hours a day and houses several ATMs. During business hours an extra-wide spiral staircase opens to a spacious Piano Nobile. The structural system of the building consists of 13 slim columns and 5 waffle floor slabs. A service core contains ATMs, a staircase and an elevator. Due to the cooperative heritage of the Sparda Bank the project indulges in humbleness. (Team: Anne-Julchen Bernhardt, Jörg Leeser, Thomas Schneider)