Pichler & Traupmann - Raiffeisen Finance Center - Eisenstadt

The new building of the Raiffeisen Finance Center in Eisenstadt by Pichler & Traupmann architects – built Corporate Identity ...

A bank may present itself in many different ways: plain and functional, transparent or withdrawn – as if the values managed inside had to be physically protected. Of stocky cubature, or distributed across several building components, split up or trying to reach for the skies, following the motto: higher, faster, further.
To some degree, the new building of the Raiffeisen Finance Center in Eisenstadt in Austria has it all.

Founded in the 19th century as a joint venture of saving and consumers’ associations offering agricultural and general financial products, today’s Raiffeisen banks are still cooperatively organized. Self-help, self-administration, solidarity, sustainability – also when successful – and identity are terms laid down in the articles of incorporation. Thus, architects Pichler & Traupmann follow several approaches supporting the requirements of a powerful new building. On the one hand, necessities arise from legal limitations and requirements due to the spatial program, but also freedom to support a striking place within the townscape. On the other hand, the overall events of the bank are not supposed to be shrugged off through a formal gesture, but symbolically pooled by enshrouding the flowing shapes. And last but not least, materials and coloring reminding of coins and lasting values are supposed to be realized in a built Corporate Identity.

The façade combines design standards and functionality. Following the arrangement of windows, the building has been encased by a superficial alucobond façade towards the East and the West, whereas little openings allow for looking outside, but also granting intimacy. An additional benefit is that a larger percentage of the wall can be used to optimize energy consumption. Therefore, the room-high glass façade provides a remarkable view across the landscape.

The interior lives on the permeability on all levels – through the perceptible room height, air spaces, crossing connective bridges and the always touchable façade construction. The shell’s materials are mirrored via window reveals, francoils and suspended ceilings inside the building. Shades of gray and fair-faced concrete provide a neutral frame for individually utilizing the work areas. Arranging the construction and façade structure on a common grid allows for making use of the spatial dimensions in a flexible manner. Open, half-open or closed areas can be used depending on work focus, functionality and organizational level. A planned openness that wants to live transparency and customer satisfaction. Always following the motto of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen: ”One for all, all for one“.


Constructor: Propria Raiffeisen-Immobilien-Leasing GmbH, Vienna, Austria
Architect: Pichler & Traupmann Architekten ZT GmbH
Construction time: 2006 – 2010
Floor space: 2,561 sqm