The project 'İş Mekan: A Destination Inspired by Life,' designed by the Global Experience Design Agency I-AM for Is Bank, has secured a spot in the finals of the 2023 SBID International Design Awards, becoming the only project to make the shortlist from Türkiye.
Designed as a next-generation living space, İş Mekan will compete in the Retail Design category at the SBID International Design Awards with inspirational projects from around the globe. The concept of the project aims to bring together banking operations, Is Bank Group's brands, and platforms, focusing on meeting daily life expectations, including work, socializing, diverse experiences, and shopping needs. İş Mekan houses not only Is Bank’s Nişantaşı Branch but also a corner dedicated to Is Bank Cultural Publications and serves as the first physical sales point for Is Bank’s online shopping platform, Pazarama, in collaboration with Coffee Department.
Emre Kuzlu, one of the Founding Directors of I-AM, highlighted the concept of empathy, a focal point in the firm's 2022 trend reports, as the starting point for the project. Despite the increasing use of digital platforms, Kuzlu emphasized the importance of direct communication between banks and their customers while underlining the need to redefine the spaces where this communication takes place. He described the project: "We approached the İş Mekan project with this perspective and designed a sustainable concept that caters to the diverse needs of different target audiences. İş Mekan is a next-generation living space under the umbrella of Is Bank, bringing together students, entrepreneurs, public servants, and even families to create a community. The İş Mekan application, designed as a complementary element to the user journey within the space, will enhance the access and experiences of visitors with strong digital habits.”
The British Society of Interior Design (SBID), recognized as the leading accreditation body for the professional interior design industry in the UK, plays a prominent role. The SBID International Design Awards, which accept applications from over 85 countries worldwide, are among the most prestigious platforms aiming to reward excellence in the interior design industry. Spanning a wide range of categories in interior design, product design, and implementation, these awards seek to recognize, reward, and celebrate global design talent.
