Jasper Avenue Banking Centre was the two-storey retail banking centre at Canadian Western Bank’s national headquarters, which was located in one of the premier office towers in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Recognizing the design possibilities offered by the space being separated from the street by a lofty double-height glass curtain wall, N53 designed an open banking hall with anchored by a grand staircase that offered passers-by a glimpse into the rhythm and flow of the banking centre.

The design celebrated the importance of people moving and interacting with one another. Features such as front-facing programming, grand staircase, screening devices, biophillic elements, and a refined spatial-material language helped translate these ideals into a space designed to enhance CWB’s people-driven and forward-looking banking philosophy. Designed with best-practices for sustainability and occupant well-being, the design of Edmonton Main answered the imperative to have our buildings enhance our everyday lives within the built environment.

N53 placed the banking hall along the north and west sides of the ground floor, opening the most public programmatic space to higher volumes of pedestrian activity stemming from the tower’s primary public corridor and the nearby LRT station. Offices along the east side of both floors made generous use of glazing for daylighting. A variety of collaborative and individual working areas provided flexibility for staff throughout the day, and meeting rooms were punctuated by moments of sculptural interest. Services areas and ancillary spaces on both storeys were located near the back end of the suite to minimize their visual and spatial presence while remaining convenient and accessible for occupants.