The Hana Bank Daejeon Branch renovation tests a new retail-banking model by placing VIP and general customer services on a single floor. Instead of relying on partitions, the project distinguishes programs through form, ceiling articulation, and material clarity.
Curves are used as the primary spatial language to counter the rigidity of the existing structure, soften the entrance, and guide circulation. Existing rectangular columns were reshaped into circular elements with integrated LED screens, turning structural constraints into spatial markers and information devices.
[VIP Zone]
Located near the entrance, the VIP area is defined by a curved wall that creates a gentle transition from the open banking hall to a quieter lounge. A large circular, curved ceiling feature with integrated lighting announces the VIP zone from the exterior and marks the threshold upon entering, giving the space its own identity without physical enclosure.
The VIP area maintains a restrained, calm atmosphere. Smart (switchable) glass offers controllable privacy, while a recessed ceiling in the waiting area and extruded ceiling lighting in consultation rooms further differentiate the zone.
[General Banking Area
The general banking counters occupy the broader open space. A parabolic ceiling layer lowers the perceived height of the four-meter ceiling while preserving openness. Functional requirements called for marble counters; among several options, a green-toned marble was selected to align with Hana Bank’s palette and provide visual consistency.
Lighting follows the project’s curved geometry, brighter in waiting areas for accessibility and softer in consultation spaces for focus. Materials are organized for clarity and durability: micro-cement is used for counters and selected surfaces, and tile flooring defines the general waiting areas.