BEYOND BANK CANBERRA CITY - INCLUSIVE BANKING FOR TODAY
Beyond Bank Australia are a progressive, customer owned bank known to provide personalised, exceptional service. This new flagship designed by SMA Design represents a community-oriented organisation passionate about providing the best possible inclusive retail experience for all members of the community in a seamless and innovative manner.
With traditional banking a thing of the past spatial requirements needed to be appropriate for new age banking; reduced, yet relevant. The site provided an opportunity to excel placing inclusive design at the absolute forefront. The space feels intuitive with branding woven subtly throughout. Banking security was a paramount objective, as were maintaining safe lines of sight for staff.
Beyond Bank Australia are a certified B Corp Organisation. SMA Design affirmed the banks certification and ethos with material selection that inherently represents the brand, while exceeding environmental factors and maintaining appropriateness for commercial use. Many finishes specified have global green tag certification, ensuring the impact on human health and the environment is minimal.
Community engagement involved collaborations with Down Syndrome ACT, Dementia Australia, Marymead Autism Centre and Getaboutable prompting positive change throughout the design process. Finishes selected improved depth perception for those living with Dementia. Dimmable lighting, curtains and soundproofing ensure the environment does not over-stimulate the senses of those living with Autism. A hearing loop was installed for hearing impaired customers and designs are compliant to AS1428.1 and AS1428.2 to ensure equal access for users in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Beyond Bank Canberra City is a true example of a design that functions ahead of its aesthetics. It is a retail environment that is responsive and sensitive to its users, truly understanding customer needs and intrinsically accommodating banking services to all customers. The space communicates a high-end residential ambience, yet tells a recognisable banking story to ensure customers can use the space with ease. DDA compliance was at the forefront of the design, not just from a tick box mentality, but as an inclusive, prioritised element emphasising wellness within the community. Sustainable and on brand design features provide a pleasing aesthetic, without taxing the environment.
True innovation must stretch to encompass the boundaries of inclusivity and diversity. Beyond Bank Canberra City resulted in a space that looked at the societal impact a retail space has on end users and the greater population and has resulted in an environment that questions why historical banking didn’t change sooner. The branch welcomes users into a space that is familiar, enriching, responsive and well designed. A harmonious result that hits the mark for a diverse community.