Northeast Bank brings elements from their seaside city into the branch

Portland, ME

PROJECT OVERVIEW Reading Time: < 1 minute

oceanside banking, starting from scratch

Northeast Bank in Portland, ME is a new client for Element. Therefore, prior to beginning the conceptual and physical work on the branch, we needed to research the Northeast Bank brand and understand the history and future goals for the brand. Starting from scratch, we don’t have the ability to utilize existing elements from any earlier work, so the conceptual process is combined with the information gathering process, while staying on track with expected timelines.

We also needed to align with current brand identifiers, while bringing in our fresh ideas on moving the brand forward. The end result is a beautiful, colorful, bright, user-friendly space that is a highlight to the neighborhood both inside and out.

CLIENT

  • Northeast Bank

financial institution type

  • Bank

DELIVERABLES

  • Digital community boards
  • Fabric graphics
  • Brand treatment
  • Teller pods

the challenge

a nautical theme that connects with the community

The Portland space is fairly small, at approximately 1,600 square feet. It’s located on a busy street, so we wanted to make a strong connection between the branch interior and the passerby traffic. Being a seaside city, it was a natural for us to use ocean scape design. We started with a sculpted wall that looks like a blue wave. We were then able to develop a very nautical atmosphere throughout the entire branch, using curves and ramps that continue the ocean wave façade. Another main feature is a light maple wood ceiling that really sets the space apart and eludes to a ceiling atop a boat. The blue and green colors contribute to the coastal-feeling environment, and all elements project to the street through large windows.

A bank teller desk with a blue Welcome sign.
A waiting rom with a wooden table and two red and brown upholstered chairs.

every bit matters

graphics that delight, day and night

We utilized the location’s large windows to apply graphics that make a nice distinction between the interior and exterior, while not diluting the open connection between the two. At night the frosted waves on the glass glow and are extremely artful. Also included in the interior of the branch is a community wall and small business resource center graphics. A raised acrylic screen wraps behind the entire teller line, offering great brand exposure. The Northeast Bank in Portland fits perfectly in the port city that contributes to one of the most fashionable coastal towns in the Northeast.

Shapes

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