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a new kinD of gReen Creating a warm and hospitable atmosphere that almost anyone would want to enter was of the utmost importance. It also was vital to design campuses that felt like they were part of the community and representative of its residents. If they felt out of place or just like every other bank in town, trying to get people inside would prove to be signifcantly more diffcult. To ensure these environments served as hubs of communal activity and fnancial learning, DAS developed several unique design elements. The green factor First, DAS designed a rich, casual ambiance through the use of reclaimed wood, brick and other sustainable materials. Not only did this make for an aesthetically pleasing experience, it also highlighted the bank's commitment to the environment. As a knowledge bank and a leader in the community, Benefcial wanted to showcase the sustainable and "green" aspects of the project, so the entire design was based on the LEED guidelines, where all materials are sustainable in nature and many are reclaimed. For example, the wood vinyl foors are made of recycled tires. The campuses are energy effcient, utilizing the latest technologies to cut back on resource consumption and reduce the buildings' overall carbon footprint. To create an environment that would promote social interaction in a comforting way, the Benefcial Bank campuses include a "Learning Library™," "Knowledge Bar™" and "Little Learners' Corner™." These education and communal features were important because it brought the bank's vision to light – providing customers with a place to gather and learn. In addition to an assortment of books about a variety of fnancial topics, the Learning Library includes lounge chairs and a communal table, encouraging customers to stop and learn something new. This space also is used for bank workshops and is available to customers looking to hold community gatherings. The Knowledge Bar features iPad stations for internet use, providing customers with a relaxed atmosphere where they can learn about online banking, personal fnancial money tools and mobile banking, while enjoying a free cup of coffee. To get kids started off on solid fnancial footing, the Little Learners' Corner is full of activities and books to teach children about money and saving. To make these spaces easily approachable for children, they include open, easy-to-access wood shelves conducive to learning and exploring. The historical factor Benefcial Bank's rich history, dating back 160 years, played a key role in brand design. After researching bank branches from around the country, the DAS team came to the conclusion that Benefcial Bank's design needed to refect its strength and history, while also representing its forward-thinking principles and educational approach. The solution: create a design that refected a simple, historic and familiar motif. Rather than employ modern shapes with fat roofs, we utilized a pitched roof with large feature dormers and two tall chimneys that bear the Benefcial Bank logo. DAS also included a front porch with large brick columns as a welcoming feature for arriving customers. All of the building's forms are classically traditional in form, but employ simple abstract details that speak to our modern-day culture. Large glass windows and a cathedral ceiling were designed to provide openness and a sense of place within the main bank space. Abundant natural light saves energy costs by reducing the required light fxtures and importantly provides transparency for passersbys to see into the unique bank interior. This is a trait that Howard Johnson frst created when he fgured out in the 1950s that potential customers were more likely to try his restaurant if they frst had a glimpse inside. Other unique aspects of the design were based on Benefcial's desire to allow customers to interact more freely with the bank staff. There are no traditional teller counters at either campus and the old-fashioned imposing walls separating employees from customers are gone. Instead, we created relationship pods that are custom designed for people to perform bank transactions in a more comfortable manner. They embody today's technological advancements in a safe and secure way. Another unique design feature is "The Benefcial Conversation Booth." Like an enclosed booth in a restaurant, it provides a quiet conversation area for those looking to engage in meetings or discussions. It's also a great place to share a cup of coffee with someone. Similar to the Knowledge Bar, it's a communal area where staff and customers can come together. Having the opportunity to help the oldest and largest bank headquartered in Philadelphia transition to a new way of banking was a challenge worth tackling for DAS. It had to overcome traditionally-held views of what a bank branch is and what people should expect from it. But through sustainable and communal design it was able to achieve Benefcial Bank's goals and create commercial spaces that organically bring people together for a common purpose. CCR Susan M. Davidson, IDC and David A. Schultz, AIA, founded DAS Architects in 1990. The frm offers a full range of architectural, interior design and procurement services. Their philosophy is to create designs that are innovative and beautiful while refecting the client's goals and vision. They can be reached at sdavidson@dasarchitects.com and dschultz@dasarchitects.com. 74 CommerCial ConstruCtion & renovation — September : OctOber 2013