OCBC Premier Banking Centre, Penang

OCBC Premier Banking Centre in Georgetown, Penang, is the Bank’s largest Premier Banking Centre.
The Centre was designed to marry the western architecture to its eastern geographic location, paying tribute to the three historical buildings from the Art Deco, Neo Classical, and Colonial periods that it is housed in. This resulted in a space of contrasts: where east meets west, history gives context to progress, and tradition and modernity are intertwined.

To highlight the contrasting influences, certain architectural elements were deliberately left exposed. Ceiling beams with column capitals and the original brick and cement walls were revealed and juxtaposed with corten steel partitions and doorways and frameless glass walls. Furniture was a careful blend of classical and contemporary pieces intermingled with western and oriental décor. Peranakan motifs and Persian rugs were paired with modern and baroque-styled chairs and side tables. Bold industrial-themed chandeliers work alongside cutting edge lighting to create ambience while highlighting art pieces.

Functionally, the space is divided into a glamorous reception and lounge, a comfortable and intimate area for interactions, and a dining and living room to host special events. By using specific materials and spatial proportions for key doorways and spaces to indicate the different areas, customers are able to experience the space intuitively.

By blending the valuable history and culture of Penang with the cultural heritage of the buildings in a progressive manner, these design decisions endeavor to create a lasting experience.