A new banking center for Simmons Bank positions itself as a glass pavilion sculpted in the site, a strong figure among the monotony of typical boulevard retail that while striking in form coalesces seamlessly with the character of northeast Arkansas, where the mountains meet the Mississippi Delta.
Simmons wanted a building that was open visually, honest in function, unique to the region, and easy for customers to navigate. We knew Simmons’ desire for a quintessential regionalism need not reflect in clichéd interpretations from other banks of comfortable “homes” with hipped roofs, or classic columns and pediments that supposedly say regional, but are really mired in a southern past. They had two requirements: make the building design their sign, meaning prominent unique to them architecture, and incorporate their signature color lighting that has become a hallmark of their larger buildings in the skyline of Little Rock.
Our solution is a uniquely personal architecture utilizing honest delta traits like deep shades, covered porches, and slatted screens, yet interpreted in a modern aesthetic reflective of the means and methods of modern banking, comfortable and open to all customers from the small farmer to the corporate executive. Subtle inspiration was drawn from delta agrarian structures, with clerestories lifting toward the sky and sunshade blades like barn slats to reduce heat gain and glare. The lit tower, in conjunction with the blades, offers lighting opportunities to celebrate holidays and civic events as a gift to the community…and announcing Simmons Bank’s continued commitment to home.
