First National
Bank of Omaha
Branch
at Metro
Crossing
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.