In the Americas bank architecture was also defined by large internal spaces and imposing facades up to the middle of the 20th century. The basic arrangement consisted of a large central hall that provided a flexible space for handling different types of banking transactions. It also created transparency and was a place to show off.

The BBVA Banco Frances building in Buenos Aires is an outstanding example. The architect, Jorge Bunge, was inspired by the idea of creating a House of France among the more classic examples of 18th century French style. In contrast the former Banco Ingles in Montevideo, now BBVA’s head office in Uruguay at Calle 25 de Mayo, reveals an Italian influence with a neo-Baroque air of great composition and plasticity.

There are, however, more balanced examples of restrained classicism such as the BBVA main branch in Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Although banks were initially reserved for privileged sectors of society, characterised by their wealth, they changed gradually to reflect corporate democracy and to attract a wider clientele. As a result, in the mid-20th century it was decided that banks should be more friendly, inviting and even seductive.

This ushered in modern bank architecture with plainer elevations, uncluttered internal layouts and greater comfort for management.

Bancomer’s building in Mexico DF from the 1970s is an example of this trend. The design is sober and neutral with non-figurative devices. The internal space includes garden areas that show concern for the working environment and facilitate the relationship between the different volumes.

In the final decades of the 20th century banks took the form of multi-storey buildings. The group owns buildings such as these in Panama City, Lima, Bogota and Caracas. Their sober geometric lines emphasise their vertical character and reflect local economic and institutional development.

Photo credits: Andrea Arrighi (Argentina), Guy Wenborne (Chile), Jorge Gamboa (Bogotá, Colombia), Shirley Arévalo (Cartagena, Colombia), Pedro Hiriart (México), Alfredo Muzquiz (Panamá) and Jorge Esquiroz (Perú).

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