HEY SPARK – The bank as a community space

With HEY SPARK in Trier, the concept of a bank branch has been completely reimagined. Rather than a traditional banking venue, it has been designed as a community space with a financial focus. The idea was to create a place for young adults aged 18 to 30, for approachable advice encounters, conversation and exchange.

Instead of counter service, Sedus helped create an open, digital and cashless format, positioning banking as part of a modern, urban lifestyle.

At HEY SPARK, conversations take place side by side on lounge furniture, not opposite each other at the desk. Colours, materials and textures are derived directly from the corporate design of Junge Sparkasse. The aim was a warm, youthful and playful atmosphere. Curved walls, colour-accented meeting islands and deliberate zoning structure the long floor plan, guiding visitors intuitively through the space. The result is a distinctive environment that sparks curiosity while also allowing for discretion when needed.

The new spatial design was guided by a clear vision regarding openness and use: 

• Breaking down traditional bank hierarchies
• Creating an open advisory environment based on equality and trust
• Fostering encounters and a sense of community
• Flexible use for consultations, events and informal exchange
• Strengthening the Sparkasse brand’s young, contemporary identity
   

These goals should also be reflected in the choice of furniture and interior fittings of the premises. Sedus was selected for its high design quality, modular systems and the ability to deliver a flexible, premium fit-out; one that deliberately moves away from the look and feel of traditional bank furniture.

In particular, the furnishings are designed support the following modes of work: 

• Communication (for consultations, exchange)
• Collaboration (for workshops, events and group activities)
• Contemplation (for discreet consultation situations) 

Sedus provided solutions that fit the innovative HEY SPARK concept both functionally and atmospherically:

When selecting the furnishings, quality and flexibility were the focus: 

• High-quality design
• Modular and flexible use
• Lounge character instead of traditional bank aesthetics
• Support for consultations on an equal footing
• Multifunctionality (consultation + event + meeting point) 

Sustainability also played an important role – especially through the selection of durable, high-quality and modular furniture that is flexibly usable and adaptable to future requirements. Quality and durability were paramount.

Employees were closely involved in the planning process. The conceptual orientation towards consultations on an equal footing is based on a clearly defined target group and a well-founded understanding of how the space would be used. The needs of the advisors, particularly regarding atmosphere, flexibility and the conversational situation, were carefully integrated into the planning. The concept is based on a substantive draft from a working group within Sparkasse. 

Feedback from HEY SPARK employees has been consistently positive: the new environment is perceived as open, modern and identity-building. In particular, the relaxed yet professional atmosphere is valued for making conversations feel more natural and for reducing barriers.

The collaboration between the client, the planning team and the furniture partner was defined by a strong sense of partnership and a shared focus on solutions. Through close coordination on site, design, functionality and brand identity could be precisely aligned. A key step in the decision-making process was a joint visit to the showroom of furniture partner Warth Büroeinrichtung, with Johannes Warth and Robin-Clark Klimaschewsky from Sedus, as well as the planning team from tibo ^ architektur.

HEY SPARK strengthens the perception of the Sparkasse as a modern, youthful brand. The branch is perceived not only as a bank but as a meeting point. The innovative spatial concept reinforces its role as a contemporary financial partner for young adults. 

The opening event, attended by everyone involved in the project, from planners and builders to employees and the Sparkasse board, marked a defining moment: a traditional bank branch had clearly transformed into a vibrant community space.

With the support of Sedus, a classic bank branch has been successfully reinterpreted. The project demonstrates how, through architecture, interior design and furnishing, a financial venue can arise that places openness, lightness and community at its centre without compromising on professionalism.