Challenge

In 2006 the contract awarded by Dexia Bank (now Belfius) was to roll out 4000 workstations and 2000 technical walls across 36 floors of Dexia Towers, which at that time were still under construction. Dexia wanted an inspirational setting that cost-efficiently matched the bank’s house style and emphasised its personal way of working. To meet the needs of the new banking landscape, the bank requested an extra solution in 2007 to address the need for cost containment and with a view to mobile working. Bulvano won both contracts after a competition.

Solution

In association with its partners Bulvano designed prototypes for working alone, for collaborating and for conferencing. They were tested over a period of one month by various departments of the bank. There was also a major logistical accomplishment. As there was initially only one main lift for all suppliers, Bulvano decided to turn around the traditional moving-in process. One team used the lift at night while another team assembled the furnishings during the day. This reduced expensive queues.

Result

The result was a bank ready for the future, with the former Dexia employees quickly lining up behind the new name of Belfius. The colourful palette developed by Bulvano was very positively received. Workstations developed especially to promote concentration (for example when reading through a file) together with conference rooms available on an ad-hoc basis (lounge spaces) raised the level of efficiency. Clients and employees appreciate the sustainability and uniformity radiated by the entire setting thanks to the use of natural materials (like bamboo).