Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) envisioned a flagship branch that would redefine the conventional banking experience. Situated in the dynamic Jiefangbei district, this 16,380 sq ft. three-storey branch was conceived to be a showstopper, one that would not only pull in passerby but also make a bold architectural statement.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
First Award | Interiors – Retail (Built)
Project Name: Chongqing Commercial Rural Bank
Category: Interiors – Retail (Built)
Studio Name: Shikatani Lacroix Design
Design Team: Julia Morgan, Max Lin
Area: Jiefangbei district
Year: 2025
Location: Chongqing, China
Consultants: Feifei Li
Photography Credits: Mr. Quang Liang
Render Credits: Julia Morgan
Other Credits:
CQRC needed a branch that reflected the future of banking while staying rooted in its rural heritage. The flagship had to incorporate both cultural touchpoints and cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance the customer journey and ensure sustainability. With the seamless integration of all these principles, this flagship sets a new standard for premium banking.
Parametric motifs enhance the branch’s futuristic appeal, appearing in exterior and interior elements like seating, wall panels, digital signage, and glass partitions. The vertical parametric partitions serve as subtle dividers between different functional zones, undulating with rhythmic, wave-like movements that maintain an open, organic flow without sacrificing privacy or coherence.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of the design, integrated thoughtfully into the bank’s identity. A vertical farming display highlights the importance of sustainable food production, connecting back to the region’s agricultural heritage. Material choices further emphasize sustainability, with terrazzo flooring embedded with recycled glass, carbon-neutral carpeting, and locally sourced wood and stone.
CQRC’s humanistic approach sets a visionary example of how the financial sector can evolve. It is an immersive, future-forward space that prioritizes connection, sustainability, and the customer journey, proving that banking can be more than a transaction—it can be an experience.
