Introduction
Established in May 1946, The Bank of Taiwan (BOT) was the country’s first state owned bank.
Black Elephant met with the client as their current lease was due to expire. The client was seeking to relocate the business to new premises within central London and needed to accommodate both their growing requirements, and that of their sister company the Financial Supervisory Commission Republic of China (TFSC).
Upon appointment, Black Elephant assumed the roles of both Workplace Consultant and Design Coordinator and undertook detailed building analysis of prime properties that would address the client short and long-term needs. With our guidance the client elected 99 Bishopsgate as their preferred option.
The Brief
The client was clear in its brief, requiring the front of house to present a warm welcoming traditional style befitting its international clients. The back of house working areas needed to be bright, open, airy, but of a significantly more modest style. The space had to comfortably accommodate the bank’s various teams, functions, and activities, whilst allowing for future expansion and growth.
The Vision
A modern office space that would respect both the bank’s modern corporate identity whilst respecting its culture and distinguished heritage.
The Design
The client required the ‘meet and greet’ area to reflect the banks culture of welcoming VIP guests in person, rather than by an employee at a traditional reception desk.
On alighting from an internal lift, visitors enter a calm interior where light floods the space with floor to ceiling perimeter windows, and the addition of inset floor and ceiling spotlights. A centrally placed half wall visually depicts the clients name and logo.
Clean strong lines feature throughout this area, with the aesthetic reflected in the modern square shaped furnishings.
A feature wall within the space is a focal point for various artworks that were both sourced and arranged by Black Elephant Design.
A wide corridor leading to the VIP conference room, flanked by a wall of bespoke back-lit cabinets that display an array of awards within the oak and glass interiors that proudly reveal the clients’ business achievements.
Meeting rooms and offices sited around the perimeter of the building, benefit from the abundant natural light, and stunning views of the city.
The clean lines of the large conference room feature a painted wall that softens the overall look of this classic stylish setting.
The addition of high-end AV and video conferencing facilities, enables the business to operate faster, more efficiently, and eases connection to the bank’s international clients.
The back of house working areas are bright airy open spaces that promote collaboration whilst still ensuring a level of quiet privacy. The natural light is maximised through the addition of biophilic elements such as the addition of indoor plants that bring subtle colour and a sense of calm.
