First National
Bank of Omaha
Branch
at Metro
Crossing

Client
First National Bank of Omaha
Location
Council Bluffs, IA
Completion date
July 2009

This 11,000 sq. ft bank opened in January of 2009 and has been a beacon for the bank branch since. Located directly off an interstate, nestled between river casinos and strip malls, the building seeks to strike a balance with its surrounding area. 

The architects employed a 160-foot point-supported glass cavity wall that is internally lit with colored RGB LED's. Patterns of local prairies grass and flowers shine through the glass, attempting to ground the building to its site. The owner sought to use the building as a billboard, which led to the lit glass wall solution, while keeping the rest of the structure relatively tame to blend in with the surrounding strip mall. The glass cavity also cuts through the interior of the building, creating a continual element running through the building. Although this feature is striking, the rest of the clean, simple interior supports its presence. Rich, dark wood tones are contrasting as well as complementary, creating the feel and aura of traditional bank design. This balance of a conventional bank design paired with a bold element such as the LED wall creates an experience for the user that evokes a sense of stability and success. 

Awards
Merit Award
SEGD
2011
Design IS People's Choice Award
Shaw Contract Group
2011
Award of Excellence — for the glass feature wall
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
2010
Paul Waterbury Award for Outdoor Lighting Design
Illuminating Engineering Society
2010
Excellence in Design Details Merit Award
AIA Nebraska Chapter
2009
Excellence in Design New Construction Citation Award
AIA Nebraska Chapter
2009
Runner-up
STEP Design 100 Competition
2008