DDi - January 2012 - (Page 36)
36 | Channel Focus Financial
Air apparent
By Mark Faithfull
Air Bank’s flexible central area is surrounded by an “amphitheater” with a tiered seating system, where customers can choose from seating on different levels.
A new bank in Prague combines continuity and history in a hierarchy-busting concept
I
n November, a new banking concept launched in the Czech capital of Prague, as a start-up financial company unveiled a highly unconventional banking branch that aims to build relationships with customers and become their “bank of choice.” The first branch of Air Bank resides in Prague’s city center in an L-shaped historical building, with a broad corridor opening into a very large square punctuated by big columns and a vaulted ceiling. Milan-based design agency Crea Intl. was chosen
by Air Bank owner, investor and financier PPF Group, with the brief to conceive a unique and distinctive concept that would work within the constraints of the historical building. Air Bank is predominantly an online bank, with the intent of this first branch to be a support point for customers. In 2012, the group is looking to open 35 branches across the Czech Republic. Despite a highly competitive personal banking market, most banks in the CEE (Central Europe and Russia Fund) operate a traditional
service model. As a start-up in the Czech market, Air Bank’s intention was to introduce some “fresh air,” says Massimo Fabbro, Crea’s CEO and founder. “The brief said Air Bank intends to create a new format that will be noticed, the most original bank in the market that customers will talk about with enthusiasm and passion,” he explains. “The word of mouth that Air Bank should generate is: ‘This is the first bank I like.’” The uniqueness of the Air Bank design format originates through its innovative service model,
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January 2012
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - January 2012
DDi - January 2012
Table of Contents
From the Editor
From the Show Director
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot ICE
Design Snapshot Boxpark and Cashel Mall
Habitat Antique
51 East
Channel Focus: Financial Air Bank
Retail Around the World
GlobalShop Show Preview
Right Light
Product Spotlight
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank
DDi - January 2012
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