Teller transactions at Erie General Electric FCU’s newest branch will be conducted “at ‘teller pods,’ where members and employees can communicate openly without the barrier of a counter,” according to the CU Times.
Other branch features:
- Two stories
- 18,000 square feet
- Flat screen TVs
- Electronic sign-in pad
- Full children’s play area with video game systems
- Fireplace
- Refreshment station
In an illustration on the credit union’s website, you can see the member lounge featuring a fireplace and large, flat screen TV. A recessed ceiling in the waiting area helps visually define the space, while a protruded ‘soffit’ helps define the welcome desk.
The branch’s paths are carpeted, while the dwell zones are hardwood. Many financial institutions do the opposite: put hard surfaces in high-traffic areas, partly because they are easier to clean when they get dirty (as they will often).
Because hard surfaces reflect sound, carpet is commonly used to increase audio-absorbency in spaces requiring more privacy. Carpet is also more comfortable to stand on than hard surfaces, which can encourage prolonged engagement in sales and services zones.