“Kohina had a deep understanding of our needs and wishes. Even the initial space program and concept sketches were spot-on.”
– HR Director, Handelsbanken
Impressive, Value-Driven Lobby.
A charming and values-aligned lobby serves as a striking calling card for the entire organization. The space was meticulously designed to reflect the company’s identity and value-based culture—both visually and functionally.
At the heart of the lobby lies the customer journey and human interaction. The area invites people to linger and supports both scheduled meetings and spontaneous conversations. Every detail contributes to the overall experience: from the selection of materials to the furniture and lighting, everything is designed to create a warm, open, and trust-inspiring first impression
HANDELSBANKEN
5000 m2
2017
Ruoholahti, Helsinki, Finland
Project Management | Interior Architecture | Workplace Development
Challenge
The impressive height and openness of Handelsbanken’s new headquarters lobby posed significant acoustic challenges. At the same time, the space needed to reflect the company’s visual identity and communicate its Nordic values and commitment to sustainability.
Benefit
The large, echo-prone lobby was transformed into an acoustically pleasant environment. The space was designed around the customer journey and meaningful encounters. The reception desk was made accessible from all directions, allowing staff to greet guests with ease and flexibility.
Much like the working areas of the headquarters, the lobby was crafted to express the company’s values. It serves as a welcoming gateway for visitors, clients, and employees arriving from other branches. Functionality was a key focus: the space adapts easily to different events, includes dedicated zones for luggage storage, and provides comfortable areas for brief working sessions or spontaneous meetings.
On the journey of change management, we use e.g. these our own work environment development tools
- Hybrid Work – work method survey – A quick way to map the views of the staff – more information for facility planning and change management
- Office Space Dimensioning – space program – For space search, a summary of space needs and the square footage of the future office
- New Normal Strategy – management workshop – Guidelines for office space change, management’s common understanding of goals and work culture
- Office Concept and Next Steps – draft planning and conceptualization process – Crystallized concept and visual appearance of the new office. A customized measure proposal for the continuation of the project
- Culture Hack workshop – Suggestions for new operating models for the hybrid work toolkit, as well as new spatial development ideas related to the operating models for the office concept.
- Hybrid Work Pocket Book – a manager’s guide – A tool for teams to agree on the rules of the game for hybrid work
- House Rules workshop – Game rules of the work environment to increase functionality and comfort, a common spirit for hybrid work and the opportunity for personnel to bring forward ideas in a solution-oriented environment
- Hybrid Pulse follow-up survey – when you want to stay on the pulse of how your work environment works