KS & Associates have been associated with various projects of ABN Amro Bank in Pakistan and abroad. The architects’ approach has been to provide world class office working environment with best practices in spatial layout, temperature control, lighting control, illumination levels and compliance with Health & Safety standards of ABN Amro worldwide. We proudly managed the project in Dubai DOZ for setting up of LEED compliant facility, call center I ABN Amro back Office of approximately 100,000 Sft of covered area. The project consisted of offices, work stations, Regional Data Center, Library, Dining Facility & Customer services for more than 1000 people. In Pakistan, projects included setting up of regional software development offices at Lahore, designed various ATM points in country's major cities.
A number of ongoing branches and completed projects across Pakistan in conventional and “Khas” branches in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, DG Khan, Khairpur, Multan, Pattoki, Toba Tek Singh, Karachi, Peshawar Quetta and more.
The Gulberg Branch was actually designed to be a seven storied tower in levels. What has been built now, is the first Phase of the building, comprising of two floors. The building is split in two components. The larger component serves as Premier Banking area whereas the smaller section serves as the Mass Banking area. The existing building was a residence which had to be converted into a bank in a construction time span of not more than four months. The form of the building is determined by its internal space plan. The HUB forms an integral part of the Bank’s theme and the internal spaces are evolved from this point of reference, shaping the entire form of the building. The fully glazed wall offers a splendid angular view to the landscaping in the premises and the activity in the city’s business centre. The building presents a well lit spacious interior with an enormous double height space at the entrance, where the skylight is set, to enhance the grandeur of the interior. The walnut shade of the furniture and paneling, off-white reflective tiles, black granite on floor borders, the water fall, cyan splashed through the tastefully laminated skylight and the LED lights that line the circular ceiling grooves generate a distinctive ambiance. During the day, the glazed wall brings in light and an outwardly view; at night it gives an exquisite inwardly view due to the transparency of the glass. Thus the interior of the building becomes a primary feature of the elevation at night.
An entirely new theme was designed for Dubai Islamic Bank in Pakistan, for its Flagship Branch on the Main Boulevard Gulberg Lahore. The site chosen by the client was a house which was later converted into a bank. External structural strengthening had to be carried out to restore the existing building which was to be retained. Modification and extension of existing structure was done to fulfill spatial requirements of the client. Designing exterior of the building, interior elements, furniture and landscaping were the salient features of this project. To make ‘Banking an Experience’ it was important to relate modern banking practice with Islamic heritage as well as the expression of Dubai and its sand dunes/waves. A contemporary design approach was adopted. The primary consideration during design development was to incorporate Regional / Arabian / Contemporary theme and to keep the Bank’s individuality. The sand waves are reflected in the design of teller counters, glass walls as well as the back drop feature wall showing sand and camels. The building presents a well lit spacious interior with an enormous double height space at the entrance, where the glass dome is set, to enhance the grandeur of the interior. Extensive and innovative use of curved and laminated glass with tempered glass raised floors is an example of experimentation with new construction technologies prominently designed for the “Dubai Lounge”. The touch of Islamic Renaissance elements in form of mosaics on floors, furniture and borders is made to blend with the high tech interior. The stainless steel structures incorporated in the external façade along with the glass dome gives a very high tech visual impact. Mentioning of innovation and design, due consideration was given to the safety and security features.
KS & Associates has been implementing Faysal Bank’s rapidly growing country-wide network of branches. Completed and under constructions sites in urban and remote rural areas of cities including: Abbotabad, Attock, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Bahawalnagar, Booray Wala, Chakwal, Charsadda, Chichawatni, Chistian, Daska , Dera Gazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Haroon Abad, Hasilpur, Haveli Lakha, Hujra Shah Muqeem, Islamabad, Jhang, Karror Pakka, Khanewal, Khanpur, Khushab, Kohat, Kot Adu, Lahore, Multan, Muridke, Nankana, Narowal, Pattoki, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Shakar Garh, Sialkot, Tank, Upper Dir, Vehari, Wazirabad.
We have decades long history of serving HBL all over the country including “Prestige” and conventional branches in major cities, rural and remote areas of Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Muzaffargarh, Faisalabad, DI Khan, Multan, Sargodha, Islamabad, Sialkot, Bahawalnagar, Karachi, Peshawar, Mardan, Mirpur, Mastuj, Razmak in Waziristan.
Branch of the Future (BoTF) concept combines a large number of innovative solutions that aim to transform a visit to the banking branch into a pleasant experience for the customers. The Branch attracts the customers through its fully transparent facade which shows the complete interior of the branch, thus making it accessible and inviting. Instead of the usual advertising posters covering the windows; the signs of Sip, Read & Surf tempts a customer to walk in. A combination of trendy materials - corian and laminate flooring gives a sense of innovation and coziness. White gives a serene ambiance with a tinge of orange that adds vitality & freshness to the branch. A self-service area, with full range of functionalities - interactive screen, multimedia wall & an online banking kiosk makes it user friendly and creates a desire in the customer to continue the visit of the branch. A refreshing waiting area with a coffee counter shows hospitality and represents the real-life banking concept of NIB. The primary aim of the Bank to bond with the customers and to build trust is explicated through transparent glass partitions, fairly accessible teller counters & informal consultation areas. A niche’ in the back wall serves to exhibit the local artist’s work. A separate zone with a multimedia screen is provided for meetings that require confidentiality. BoTF offers a change from the traditional banking culture by use of minimum walls & partitions & by making the branch manager & officers shift from the bottom end to the center of the space in order to have an overall perception of the interactions and processes happening in the branch. Attractive night-time illumination and a distinctive logo, makes the branch attractive by night as well.
At Standard Chartered Bank every point of contact with the customers provides an opportunity to deliver a unique, positive experience that differentiates it from the rest. The branch identity is presented consistently in every branch around the world. Each branch is friendly, comfortable, welcoming and respects the local environmental requirements and the design of individual building as well as customer’s journey and functional needs. The Bank delivers a unique approach to retail banking services. The ideal branch layout plan comprises round the clock automated facilities at the front with ATM’s, Cash Deposit Machines and photo banking terminals. It includes dedicated service ambassadors near to the entrance in Service Bar to welcome customers as they enter and to direct them towards the services they require. Traditional retail banking services are delivered primarily through an enhanced main banking hall, which is furnished with teller counters that are more spacious and partitioned to provide customers with greater privacy. Throughout the Wealth Management Centre, soft lighting, a warm color scheme, and comfortable furnishings establish a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Making use of an inviting and open floor plan, the branch brings together the most comprehensive wealth management services available. The Priority Banking area becomes part of the branch component at the left portion of Wealth Management Centre without physical barrier. It provides the Priority Banking customers a breakthrough from conventional teller services. With a beige & brown color scheme, special attention is paid to create a transaction area where customers can manage their finances in the most private and comfortable manner. Other exclusive facilities include meeting rooms and a lounge area comfortably furnished with a coffee bar and video screen featuring round-the-clock financial news.
Projects done in various parts of the country including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Nankana, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Peshawar etc.
The design approach was to incorporate a Contemporary theme”, adopted to deliver luxurious and spacious office environment. Modern design elements and furniture items were incorporated to achieve the requirements, where as special consideration was given to the “Handicap”. Telenor’s “Logo and its color” were used throughout, as a source of inspiration in which the lines of the petal and the tones of blue are used in the furniture items, walls, false ceiling and flooring; treated differently at all levels. A system of curvilinear lines was adopted, converging from traffic flow into the halls, which became an inspirational point where floor and false ceilings were designed accordingly. Open planning was adopted allowing more interaction between the employees of senior and junior ranks. The environment was further enriched with soft landscaping features. An informal sitting space was provided with an open kitchenette for the staff and customers. Special toilets and ramps were introduced to facilitate the “handicapped”. Innovative screens with themes for feature walls, unusual landscaping features and stained glass were introduced. Decorative columns, dropped false ceilings, curved glass and mosaic floors gave the interior a rich, but contemporary look altogether. Special considerations were given to fire detection/suppression, CCTV, digital access, public address system and data center.
Interior views
Islamabad Office
Country-wide network of company outlets, offices and franchises done.
Covered Area 52,333 Sq Ft.
