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The Okobank Group
Stina Suominen, Head of Marketing
1. Why is Finnish Design Year needed?
Design belongs to both
everyday existence and the high points of life. Good design is at its best
in everyday utility objects, and we have a substantial heritage in this
area in Finland. I would like to see more public interest in design and
the continued emergence of global design brands in Finland.
2. Whom would you like to see inspired by Finnish Design Year?
Design can be studied in Finland under professionally skilled and
inspiring teachers and instructors. I would like to see Finnish industry
make more use of the abilities and ideas of designer. We would like young
designer to have the courage and endeavour to go into business for
themselves. The future lies in “the grey cells” – in skills and creativity.
3. How is design visible in banking?
In the banking sector, design
involves the long-term construction of the brand, from the logo and its
graphic specifications down to various products such as cards, and even
including branch offices, as in our case. The Okobank brand is based on
our shared values of the human touch, responsibility and success in
partnership with our client.
4. How does the Okobank group
utilize design?
The logo of the Okobank logo is one of the
best-known logos in Finland, being created by well-known, recognized
Finnish designers. The first logo, designed by Aimo Hauho, was adopted in
1952.
The next logo was designed in 1970 by Pekka Martin, who won a
competition arranged for the purpose. Esa Ojala modernized the logo in
1996, and again in 2001 in collaboration with Mikko Männistö.
Another example is a major project in which the Okobank group renewed its
branch offices concept a few years ago. It revised not only the appearance
of the offices but also the way in which people do business in banks. To
an increasing degree, clients come to a bank to discuss major economic
decisions, such as loans for housing or investments, all of which call for
a calm space in which to negotiate. The branch offices of the group are
being revised according to the new concept in pace with their need for
refurbishment.
The Okobank group developed the new branch office
concept in association with the Taivas Design office. The project involved
Veijo Hytti as its leader, the architect Kenny Hytönen, architectural
student Tuula Tyllilä, interior architect Teemu Vaarakallio, interior
architecture student Vesa Utriainen, industrial designer Juhana Arkio, AD
Mikko Männistö, graphic designer Petri Rantapää and interior architect
Merita Soini.
5. How do you rate the impact of interest in
design and interior decoration on the housing market?
Standards
of housing and habitation in Finland have clearly improved in recent
years, with increasing focus on the comfort of homes. Growing numbers of
buyers of homes are also taking out loans for refurbishment and converting
apartments according to their own taste. Well-designed buildings and
elegantly renovated apartments are also sold faster than ones that are
uncomfortable and in poor condition.
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Designed cash cards with a Finnish touch
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