Volksbank Kassel Goettingen

"The new Volksbank Kassel Göttingen eG branch in Hofgeismar was conceived as a pilot site for the 'New Working Environments, Innovation & Change' initiative. The aim was to fundamentally rethink both the customer journey and the working environment for employees – with the aim of creating an excellent customer experience while simultaneously designing a motivating workplace. The central vision of the project was an environment that optimally supports advisory services, collaboration and focus work. The new branch should not only strengthen customer and employee identification with the bank but also act as a magnet for new talent.

In their search for an experienced planning and furnishing partner, the client discovered Vitra and chose the Swiss furniture manufacturer for its expertise in workplace environments and the superior quality of its products and concepts. The guidelines were defined in a joint strategy workshop with the Executive Board. The next step was to involve employees in the design process – a decisive factor for the high level of acceptance and identification with the new concept.

Bringing a fresh perspective to the world of banking, the Vitra Consulting & Planning Studio (CPS) has developed and implemented a customer and employee environment that differs from traditional industry standards. In all of the zones, including customer areas, receptions, back office and sales workspaces- the structures were thoughtfully designed to balance engaging elements and home-like comfort with functionality, discretion and collaboration.

The insights from this pilot project are now being used as a detailed framework for other branch updates - the management board division and the head offices of Volksbank Kassel Göttingen.

‘People need spaces of connection – places where they feel at home and can engage in meaningful dialogue.’
Wolfgang Osse, Chairman of Management Board Volksbank Kassel Göttingen eG

Architecture: ERA PartG mbB. Interior architecture: Vitra Consulting & Planning" Vitra Homepage