A Tour of Oschadbank’s Contemporary Kiev Office

Oschadbank, the national bank of Ukraine that operates in almost all sectors of the Ukrainian financial market, recently hired architecture studio Sergey Makhno Architects to design their new offices in Kiev, Ukraine.

“Sergey Makhno Architects developed a non-standard concept ‘bank as a gallery’. It’s contemporary office design based on paintings, sculptures, art decor, and lighting. Studio’s proud is handmade lamps that it created and produced for the interior. Like in a gallery, the bank ‘expositions’ can change. No strict bindings to the elements, but to the art itself. Due to the materials ─ concrete, wood, marble ─ the interior is wrapped by a natural envelope. Different textures and combinations allowed to create a more inspiring and comfortable work environment. In addition to this, Sergey Makhno Architects preserved the inner skeleton of the building. For example, integrated old columns in. The walls were chosen as accents ─ from tactile pleasant whimsical 3D panels to plant-covered green walls that extend from an entrance to workstations and hid a cabinet system in the hall. In a meeting room studio decorated the walls with wooden panels showing patterns repeating Ukrainian embroidery. The national idea is also represented by decorative pottery ─ one of the Ukrainian signs that came from the Tripoli time. Sergey Makhno Architects wanted to provide workers with flexible working places and encourage a dynamic and collaborative workspace. Sergey Makhno Architects brought art into the bank office. It resembles a gallery, but very ‘human’. Every tiny detail is made to be comfortable for everyone ─ bank workers and clients.”

• Location: Kiev, Ukraine
• Date completed: 2017
• Size: 16,000 square feet
• Design: Sergey Makhno Architects