Tejgaon Link Road has changed dramatically over the years. Once known for its industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the area has gradually transformed into one of Dhaka’s emerging commercial corridors. New offices, corporate headquarters, and business hubs now define its character. Located on the ground floor of the iconic Shanta Forum building, the Dhaka Bank PLC-Forum Branch reflects this evolving urban story through a customer experience centre designed by VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd.
Completed in 2025, the branch introduces a contemporary approach to banking spatially open design, where accessibility, comfort, and trust become central elements of the spatial experience. Led by architect Ishtiaque Zahir Titas, Iqbal Habib and Sifat Tasnim, the design moves beyond the conventional image of a banking hall and rethinks how people interact with financial organization.
The experience begins at the entrance. Instead of creating an atmosphere that feels formal or intimidating, the design welcomes visitors with an open reception and waiting zone that resembles a comfortable lounge. The space allows visitors to pause, gather themselves, and understand their surroundings before proceeding further. This simple gesture immediately establishes a sense of familiarity, making the branch approachable even for first-time customers.
Inside, the layout unfolds through a sequence of carefully organized zonings. Public, semi-private, and operational spaces are arranged in a way that feels intuitive rather than restrictive. Movement through the branch is naturally guided, allowing customers and staff to navigate the environment with ease. Rather than relying on heavy partitions and rigid separations, the design uses transparency and spatial continuity to create visual connections throughout the interior.
Glass-enclosed consultation rooms are a key feature of the project. They provide privacy for discussions while maintaining a visual relationship with the larger space. This balance between openness and confidentiality reflects the nature of the modern financial transaction space, where trust is built through services and the quality of the environment itself. More secure and operational functions are positioned deeper within the layout, ensuring efficiency without disrupting the welcoming atmosphere experienced by visitors.
Material selection plays an equally important role in shaping the character of the branch. A palette of light-toned finishes creates a bright and calm environment, helping the interior feel spacious and easy to understand. These neutral surfaces are complemented by warm timber textures on the wall that introduce a sense of comfort and human scale. The combination creates an atmosphere that feels professional without becoming overly corporate.
Lighting further enhances this experience. Soft and balanced illumination highlights the clean architectural lines while contributing to the overall sense of openness. The result is an environment that feels composed and contemporary, supporting everyday banking activities without unnecessary visual complexity. Further, linear floor lighting defines movement while enhancing the sense of openness.
What makes the Dhaka Bank PLC- Forum Branch particularly successful is its ability to translate institutional requirements into a people-focused experience. The project demonstrates how thoughtful interior design can reshape perceptions of a banking environment, transforming it from a purely transactional space into one that encourages confidence and ease.
As Tejgaon continues its transformation into a major commercial destination, the branch stands as a reflection of this new urban identity. Through careful planning, restrained materiality, and a welcoming spatial language, VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd has created a workplace and customer environment that responds thoughtfully to both its location and its users.
