A new modern building designed by Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio looks to create a new concept in banking that forgoes traditional tellers behind a counter and replaces them with more communal space with mobile financial advisers available to assist both bank clients and non-clients.
The new two-story, 8,400-sf branch, dubbed the Capital One Café, is located at the intersection of 4th and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica. It was designed so the corner was opened up and made into an indoor-outdoor space separated by folding doors.
Photo courtesy of Studio J Marketing.
The first and second floors along the Broadway elevation are primarily composed of clear anodized low-glazed aluminum windows with fixed powder-coated white aluminum louvers that cover the windows. The rear portion of the building and the upper portion of the 4th Street elevation are composed of glossy winter white glazed brick tiles. The ground level of the 4th Street elevation is finished with fixed clear anodized low-glazed aluminum windows and an entry swing door that leads into a vestibule area.
Visitors enter via an entry plaza that is set about nine feet from the existing sidewalk. The ground floor is fully transparent while the rest of the building incorporates partially screened louvers and solid walls clad in glazed brick tiles
Photo courtesy of Studio J Marketing.
The interior was designed by IA Interior Architects and presents an open, naturally lit space. At one end of the lobby is the café, which serves Peet’s Coffee and pastries. The café is surrounded by a variety of seating and communal workspace options. At the other end of the lobby is where customers can find the Capital One employees. Private consultations can take place in small rooms with sliding doors located at the end of the lobby behind the employees. Conference rooms that can be reserved by non-profits and other organizations are also available.
Photo courtesy of Studio J Marketing.
The goal of the design was to create a destination that becomes a regular fixture in people’s lives outside of their homes and workplaces, according to Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio.
Photo courtesy of Studio J Marketing.
Related Stories
| Feb 13, 2013
China plans new car-free city
A new urban development near Chengdu, China, will provide new housing for ~80,000 people, surrounded by green space.
| Dec 9, 2012
AEC professionals cautiously optimistic about commercial construction in ’13
Most economists say the U.S. is slowly emerging from the Great Recession, a view that was confirmed to some extent by an exclusive survey of 498 BD+C subscribers whose views we sought on the commercial construction industry’s outlook on business prospects for 2013.
| Sep 20, 2012
Mid-box retail study shows lack of available sites in Chicago
Existing supply is tight everywhere and almost non-existent in the most attractive zones.
| Aug 21, 2012
Hong Kong’s first LEED Platinum pre-certified building opens
Environmentally-sensitive features have been incorporated, including reduced operational CO2 emissions, and providing occupiers with more choice in creating a suitable working environment.
| Jul 24, 2012
Dragon Valley Retail at epicenter of Yongsan International Business District
Masterplanned by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Yongsan IBD encompasses ten city blocks and includes a collection of high-rise residences and commercial buildings.
| Jul 23, 2012
Missner Group completes construction of Chicago auto dealership
The Missner Group also incorporated numerous sustainable improvements to the property including the implementation of a vegetative roof, and the utilization of permeable pavers for the parking lot.
| Jul 20, 2012
2012 Giants 300 Special Report
Ranking the leading firms in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.
| Jul 20, 2012
Global boom for hotels; for retail, not so much
The Giants 300 Top 10 Firms in the Hospitality and Retail sectors.
| Jul 17, 2012
KM/Plaza changes name to Plaza Construction
Lands new projects including the Perry South Beach Hotel and Dadeland Mall Kendall Wing Expansion.