A COMMERCIAL BANK IS A KIND OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION THAT CARRIES ALL

THE OPERATIONS RELATED TO DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL OF MONEY FOR THE

GENERAL PUBLIC, PROVIDING LOANS FOR INVESTMENT, AND OTHER SUCH
ACTIVITIES. THESE BANKS ARE PROFIT-MAKING INSTITUTIONS AND DO BUSINESS
ONLY TO MAKE A PROFIT. THEREFORE, COMMERCIAL BANKING DESCRIBES THE
ACTIVITIES THAT REVOLVE AROUND PROVIDING FINANCIAL SERVICES TO
CUSTOMERS IN COMMERCIAL BANKS.

Incorporate your brand and identity

The design of your financial institution will impact those who will connect with your brand.
Therefore, it’s crucial that your branch reflects your brand identity. Incorporating elements of your
culture, community, and company history into the design will create a consistent customer experience
and make your location feel relevant, especially in a small community. A compelling brand image will
outlive changing trends and seasonal shifts. Extending beyond a positive customer experience,
thoughtful branding will create a lasting impression and differentiate you from the competition.

2. consider the community it serves

When building a bank or credit union, the people it serves should be the cornerstone of design.
Communities consist of people from different generations, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses
— all of which inform how they bank. For example, some people enjoy the inherent connection of
face-to-face interactions, while others prefer to handle transactions digitally. Understanding the
demographics of the area you plan to serve is instrumental in developing an inclusive design that
caters to the specific needs and expectations of your customers. This will help create a sense of trust
and belonging that transcends the walls of the bank.

3. choose the right location

While online banking is becoming increasingly popular, many people still prefer the human
interaction that comes with in-person banking. Thus, selecting the right location for your bank can
determine how successful it will be. Start by performing an in-depth analysis.

Key factors to consider:

 Demographics
 Nearby competition
 Market demand
 Traffic patterns
 Proximity to relevant businesses
 Accessibility

This information will help determine a location’s potential for growth before you invest in a build-out.
Keep in mind that securing an ideal site and investing in the latest technology is not enough. The
exterior aesthetic and visible signage must resonate with people passing by and inspire them to
explore what’s inside

4. make customers feel welcome

Designing a bank or credit union is about more than just looks. While a warm atmosphere and natural
lighting will help make customers feel at ease, it’s equally important to optimize space with a
thoughtful layout. Placing a lobby or welcome area near the door will set the tone for a positive
customer experience as soon as they enter. Additionally, thoughtful extras like concierge service,
refreshments, or a self-serve coffee station can make the bank feel like an enjoyable place to be.

Don’t stop with comfortable waiting areas. Offering a range of open, closed, and flexible meeting
spaces will let customers know they can engage in quick or private financial discussions with ease.
You will also want to incorporate easy-to-understand signage to help customers navigate the bank
without confusion.

Fostering an inviting atmosphere can be more powerful than providing specific services. Making
customers feel welcome inspires return visits, helps build trust, and attracts talented people who want
to work at a bank that values the customer experience.

5. design for efficiency and functionality

It’s essential to consider the services you plan to offer and the ways customers will interact with staff
when designing an effective blueprint for your bank. To best utilize your space, prioritize easy access
and navigation, effective signage, comfort, and well-integrated technology. Embrace adaptability
throughout the design process too. You will inevitably recognize customer preferences and technology
change over time, which can help you develop a flexible design that can be altered in the future. For
example, teller stations are a staple, but the number you start with may change as customer needs
shift. Empower customers to complete transactions independently by strategically placing ATMs and
self-service coin counters in your branch. And provide additional services like financial planning and
advising to ensure they can access required support. Lastly, good bank design is not only about your
members or customers. Your employees deserve equal attention, so be sure to consider their
workspace and well-being. Practicality and forward-thinking across the board will help you create a
space that serves everyone for years to come.

6. implement innovative technology

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, innovative banking technology isn’t just an option; it’s a
strategic way for banks to stay relevant, competitive, and responsive. Promoting efficiency and
streamlining transactions with technology elevates your brand image, reduces operating costs, and
improves the customer experience. Conversely, being slow to adapt to new trends can have negative
repercussions, such as a poor reputation and fewer return visits. Modernizing your financial institution
with useful technology, like these digital brochure displays, and being prepared to incorporate future
cutting-edge solutions will help position you as a leader rather than a follower. Furthermore, staying
ahead of new trends will attract all age groups and help you achieve a bigger market share against
larger banks that may have a different approach.

7. embrace sustainability and energy efficiency practices

Banks can make a significant impact on the environment and their business by adopting
environmentally-friendly practices. Opting for sustainable materials during the building process and
implementing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems can create healthier indoor
spaces and reduce pollution. In addition to being eco-friendly, these practices also help banks or credit
unions lower operating costs. Beyond the financial benefit, minimizing your carbon footprint
demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility. This concerted effort to protect the planet will
appeal to environmentally-conscious customers and staff, strengthen your bank’s reputation as a
forward-thinking institution, and increase your potential for growth.

8. future-proof the design

Once you have transformed your bank building design concept into a reality, changes can take time
and incur significant expenses if not previously considered. One of the best ways to set your financial
institution up for long-term success is to ensure it is equipped to adapt to changing customer
preferences and behaviors. Embracing a flexible design framework, such as an open floor plan, will
empower you to rearrange spaces, integrate new technology, and swiftly respond to challenges that
arise. Proactively future-proofing your design empowers your bank or credit union to stay agile and
ahead of market trends — positioning your bank as a leading, customer-centric business.

9. collaborate with architects and design professionals

There is no magic formula for designing a bank building or credit union. However, collaborating with
the right experts can drive profitability and minimize risk. The leading cause of unexpected cost
overruns during a build-out is unexpected change orders after construction begins. Bank architecture
professionals who understand your business, customers, and necessary requirements can help you
formulate a design that can be executed according to plan. From in-depth market analyses to ensuring
your location has the proper permits and implementing your technology, architects specializing in
banks will be better positioned to set you up for success than a general contractor.

Designing a bank based on the principles outlined in Max Fajardo’s Planning and Designers
Handbook 2nd edition requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure functionality,
aesthetics, and customer experience. Here are some steps to guide you through the design process:

1. Site selection: Choose a suitable location for the bank, considering factors such as
accessibility, visibility, and proximity to target demographics. Ensure the site meets zoning
and building code regulations.
2. Space planning: Determine the required layout for the bank, including the placement of teller
counters, customer service areas, waiting areas, offices, ATMs, and security features.
Consider the flow of customers and staff and ensure efficient use of space.
3. Security considerations: Incorporate security measures such as surveillance cameras, access
control systems, bulletproof glass, and alarm systems to ensure the safety of staff and
customers.
4. Aesthetics and branding: Design the bank’s interior and exterior to reflect the brand identity
and values of the institution. Use colors, materials, and signage that convey professionalism,
trustworthiness, and modernity.
5. Lighting and ventilation: Ensure adequate natural and artificial lighting throughout the bank
to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Provide ventilation systems to maintain
air quality and temperature control.
6. Accessibility: Make the bank accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities, by
providing ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces.
 7. Technology integration: Incorporate modern banking technology such as digital kiosks,
mobile banking stations, and self-service options to enhance customer experience and
efficiency.
8. Furniture and fixtures: Select furniture and fixtures that are durable, ergonomic, and visually
appealing. Consider comfort and functionality when choosing seating, desks, counters, and
storage solutions. Ln
9. Sustainable design: Implement sustainable design practices such as energy-efficient lighting,
water-saving fixtures, and recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact and operating
costs.

10. Collaboration with experts: Consult with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other
professionals to ensure the bank’s design meets all technical, regulatory, and aesthetic
requirements.

The Planning and Designers Handbook by Max Fajardo 2nd edition provides guidelines for the
measurement areas of banks to ensure functional and ergonomic design. Some of the recommended
measurement areas for banks according to the handbook may include:

1. Teller Counters: The size and layout of teller counters should be designed to accommodate tellers
and customers comfortably. The height of the counter should allow for easy transaction processing,
and there should be adequate space for customers to approach and conduct transactions without
feeling crowded.

2. Customer Service Areas: Customer service areas should provide a welcoming and efficient space
for customers to inquire about services, open accounts, or seek assistance. The layout should include
seating areas, consultation desks, and private meeting rooms, with clear signage and easy access for
all users.

3. ATM Areas: The measurement areas for ATM areas should allow for multiple machines to be
installed with adequate space for queuing and privacy. The layout should consider security features,
lighting, and accessibility for users of different abilities.

4. Safe Deposit Boxes: The measurement areas for safe deposit box areas should provide secure and
private spaces for customers to access their valuables. The layout should include secure doors, proper
lighting, and easy access for customers to retrieve items.

5. Offices and Workspaces: The measurement areas for offices and workspaces within a bank should
be designed to accommodate staff members comfortably and efficiently. The layout should include
ergonomic desks and chairs, storage space, and privacy features for confidential work.
6. Waiting Areas: Waiting areas should have sufficient seating arrangements for customers waiting to
be served or conducting transactions. The layout should provide comfort, privacy, and accessibility for
all users, with clear signage and information displays.

Commercial banks typically have a variety of architectural elements and spaces that are essential to
their operation and design. Here are some common architectural elements and standard sizes found in
commercial banks:

1. Banking Hall:

- Size: The banking hall or main lobby area of a commercial bank is typically spacious to
accommodate customers waiting in line, ATMs, and teller stations. The size can vary depending on
the size and location of the bank, but a standard size for a banking hall in a medium-sized bank could
be around 500 to 1,000 square meters.

2. Teller Counters:

- Size: The teller counter area should be designed to accommodate multiple teller stations, customer
queues, and service areas. Each teller station should have sufficient space for a computer terminal,
cash drawers, and other necessary equipment. A standard size for a teller counter is around 1.2 to 1.5
meters wide and 2 to 2.5 meters deep.

3. Offices and Meeting Rooms:

- Size: Commercial banks have offices for bank managers, loan officers, and other staff members.
These offices vary in size but typically range from 10 to 20 square meters for individual offices.
Meeting rooms for customer consultations and staff meetings are also essential and could range from
20 to 50 square meters.

4. Customer Service Area:

- Size: The customer service area in a commercial bank is where customers can inquire about
account information, open new accounts, or seek assistance from bank staff. This area should be
designed to provide privacy and comfort for customers. A standard size for a customer service area
could be around 50 to 100 square meters.

5. ATM Area:

- Size: Automated teller machines (ATMs) are a common feature in commercial banks and should
have a dedicated area with easy access for customers. The size of an ATM area can vary based on the
number of machines installed but could range from 20 to 50 square meters.
6. Storage/Utility Rooms:

- Dimensions for storage rooms can vary, but a typical storage room may be around 8x10 feet in size

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING

SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AND YARD REGULATIONS

A. FRONT YARD SETBACKS. A NEW BUILDING SHALL ESTABLISH A FRONT YARD

SETBACK OF ZERO TO FIVE FEET. TO MAINTAIN STREET FRONT CONTINUITY, THE
FOLLOWING EXCEPTION TO THE YARD REQUIREMENTS IS AUTHORIZED: IF THERE
ARE
BUILDINGS ON BOTH ABUTTING LOTS WITH YARDS OF MORE THAN THE REQUIRED
DEPTH FOR THE ZONE, THE YARD OF THE LOT MAY EQUAL BUT NOT EXCEED THE
AVERAGE YARD OF THE ABUTTING BUILDINGS.

B. SIDE YARD SETBACKS. A SIDE YARD FACING A STREET SHALL HAVE A SETBACK OF
ZERO TO FIVE FEET. THE SETBACK FOR A SIDE YARD NOT FACING A STREET AND FOR
A REAR YARD SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF ZERO FEET, WITH NO MAXIMUM.

C. REAR YARD SETBACKS. THE SETBACK FOR A REAR YARD SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF
ZERO FEET, WITH NO MAXIMUM.

BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT

IN A C2 ZONE WITHIN 100 FEET OF A RESIDENTIAL ZONE, NO BUILDING SHALL

EXCEED
THREE STORIES OR 35 FEET IN HEIGHT. A BUILDING ON A CORNER LOT IS
ENCOURAGED TO BE AT LEAST TWO STORIES IN HEIGHT.

STAIRWAY WIDTHS

â–ª 1.10M FOR OCCUPANT LOAD MORE THAN 50

â–ª HANDRAILS SHALL NOT REDUCE THE WIDTH OF STAIRWAYS BY MORE THAN
100MM
RISER AND TREAD
â–ª MAXIMUM RISER: 200MM
â–ª MINIMUM TREAD: 250MM
LAN D I N G S

â–ª LENGTH = STAIRWAY WIDTH

â–ª IF THE STAIRWAY HAS A STRAIGHT RUN, LANDING LENGTH DOES NOT NEED TO
EXCEED 1.20M
â–ª LANDING WIDTH SHALL NOT BE REDUCED BY MORE THAN 100MM BY ANY DOOR
WHEN FULLY OPENED
â–ª MAX. VERTICAL DISTANCE BETWEEN LANDINGS: 3.60M
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF LIGHT AND VENTILATION

(A) SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES ON

EASEMENTS OF LIGHT AND VIEW, AND TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PART OF THE
CODE,
EVERY BUILDING SHALL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, AND EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE
ADEQUATE LIGHT AND VENTILATION.
(B) ALL BUILDINGS SHALL FACE A STREET OR PUBLIC ALLEY OR A PRIVATE STREET
WHICH HAS BEEN DULY APPROVED.
(C) NO BUILDING SHALL BE ALTERED NOR ARRANGED SO AS TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF
ANY ROOM OR THE RELATIVE AREA OF WINDOWS TO LESS THAN THAT PROVIDED
FOR
BUILDINGS UNDER THIS CODE, OR TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL ROOM, UNLESS SUCH
ADDITIONAL ROOM CONFORMS TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CODE.
(D) NO BUILDING SHALL BE ENLARGED SO THAT THE DIMENSIONS OF THE REQUIRED
COURT OR YARD WOULD BE LESS THAN THAT PRESCRIBED FOR SUCH BUILDING.

WINDOW OPENINGS

EVERY ROOM INTENDED FOR ANY USE, NOT PROVIDED WITH ARTIFICIAL
VENTILATION
SYSTEM AS HEREIN SPECIFIED IN THIS CODE, SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A WINDOW
OR
WINDOWS WITH A TOTAL FREE AREA OF OPENINGS AND EQUAL TO AT LEAST TEN
PERCENT OF THE FLOOR AREA OF ROOM, AND SUCH WINDOW SHALL OPEN
DIRECTLY
TO A COURT, YARD, PUBLIC STREET OR ALLEY, OR OPEN WATER COURSES

ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION

(A) ROOMS OR SPACES HOUSING INDUSTRIAL OR HEATING EQUIPMENT SHALL BE

PROVIDED WITH ARTIFICIAL MEANS OF VENTILATION TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE
ACCUMULATION OF HOT AND/OR POLLUTED AIR.

(B) WHENEVER ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION IS REQUIRED, THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE

DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
IN
AIR CHANGES:
1. FOR ROOMS ENTIRELY ABOVE GRADE AND USED FOR OFFICE, CLERICAL, OR
ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES, OR AS STORES, SALES ROOMS, RESTAURANTS,
MARKETS,
FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS, OR MACHINERY ROOMS, NOT LESS THAN THREE CHANGES
OF
AIR PER HOUR SHALL BE PROVIDED.

TO SERVE ALL FLOORS.

ACCESSIBLE ELEVATORS SHOULD BE LOCATED NOT MORE THAN 30.00 M
 FROM THE ENTRANCE AND SHOULD BE EASY TO LOCATE WITH THE AID OF
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS.
ACCESSIBLE ELEVATORS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH HANDRAILS MOUNTED AT
A HEIGHT OF 900MM FROM THE FINISH FLOOR.
ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR CARS SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM CLEAR DIMENSION OF
1400 MM IN DEPTH AND 1200 MM IN WIDTH, WITH A CLEAR DOOR OPENING OF
NOT LESS THAN 900 MM.

FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

(R.A. 9514)
EXIT DETAILS

1. REQUIREMENTS
ANY FLOOR BELOW THE FLOOR OF EXIT DISCHARGE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND
USED ONLY FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, STORAGE, AND SERVICE OPERATIONS
(OTHER THAN KITCHENS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED PART OF THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY)
SHALL HAVE EXITS APPROPRIATE TO ITS ACTUAL OCCUPANCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THIS CHAPTER. THE SAME STAIRWAY OR OTHER EXIT
REQUIRED TO SERVE ANY ONE (1) UPPER FLOOR MAY ALSO SERVE OTHER UPPER
FLOOR,
EXCEPT THAT NO INSIDE OPEN STAIRWAY, ESCALATOR, OR RAMP MAY SERVE AS A
REQUIRED EGRESS FROM MORE THAN ONE (1) FLOOR.
2. TYPES OF EXITS
EXITS, ARRANGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES:
DIVISION
5 OF THIS CHAPTER, SHALL BE ONE
•DOORS, PROVIDED THAT DOORS IN ANY MEANS OF EGRESS SHALL NOT BE
LOCKED
AGAINST EGRESS WHEN THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED. DELAYED EGRESS LOCKS MAY
BE
PERMITTED, PROVIDED THAT NOT MORE THAN ONE (1) SUCH I S LOCATED IN ANY
ONE
EGRESS PATH; •STAIRS AND SMOKE PROOF ENCLOSURES;
•RAMPS; OR
•HORIZONTAL EXITS.
3. MINIMUM CORRIDOR WIDTH
CORRIDORS, OTHER THAN THOSE WITHIN INDIVIDUAL GUEST ROOMS OR
INDIVIDUAL
GUEST SUITES, SHALL BE OF SUFFICIENT WIDTH TO ACCOMMODATE THE REQUIRED
OCCUPANT LOAD AND SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN ONE AND TWELVE HUNDREDTHS
METERS.
4. NUMBER OF EXITS
NOT LESS THAN TWO (2) EXITS SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE FROM EVERY FLOOR,
INCLUDING
FLOORS BELOW THE FLOOR OF EXIT DISCHARGE AND OCCUPIED FOR PUBLIC
PURPOSES.
BUILDING SERVICES EQUIPMENT
1. AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION
EVERY AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION SHALL COMPLY WITH SECTION 10.2.7.2
OF
THIS IRR
NO TRANSOM/WINDOWPANE SHALL BE INSTALLED IN PARTITION OF SLEEPING
ROOMS IN NEW BUILDINGS. IN EXISTING BUILDINGS TRANSOMS SHALL BE FIXED
IN
THE CLOSED POSITION AND SHALL BE COVERED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED TO
PROVIDE Α FIRE- RESISTANCE RATING AT LEAST EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF THE
WALL
IN WHICH THEY ARE INSTALLED.
2. ALL OTHER BUILDING SERVICES EQUIPMENT INSTALLED OR USED DORMITORIES
SHALL COMPLY WITH DIVISION 7 OF THIS CHAPTER. IN HOTELS AND

PROTECTION

1. PROTECTION OF VERTICAL OPENINGS

EVERY STAIRWAY, ELEVATOR SHAFT AND OTHER VERTICAL OPENINGS SHALL BE
ENCLOSED OR PROTECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10.2.6.5 OF THIS RIRR.
ANY REQUIRED EXIT STAIR WHICH IS SO LOCATED THAT IT IS NECESSARY ΤΟ PASS
THROUGH THE LOBBY OR OTHER OPEN SPACE TO REACH THE OUTSIDE OF THE
BUILDING SHALL BE CONTINUOUSLY ENCLOSED DOWN TO THE LOBBY LEVEL.
2. FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
AN AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 10.2.6.6 OF THIS RIRR, SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY HOTEL OR
DORMITORY
HAVING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FIFTEEN (15) OR MORE GUESTS. FOR LESS THAN
FIFTEEN (15) GUESTS, A MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SHALL BE INSTALLED.
AN ALARM-SENDING STATION AND MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX SHALL BE
PROVIDED
AT THE HOTEL DESK OR OTHER CONVENIENT CENTRAL CONTROL POINT UNDER
THE
CONTINUOUS SUPERVISION OF RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEES.
3. FIRE ALARMS
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS OR DEVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN A STRUCTURE SUCH
AS
A BANK TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE WARNING TO THE USERS.