With the "YouFin" project, the Düsseldorf-based interdisciplinary firm bkp—specializing in interior design and strategic consulting—has developed an extraordinary youth banking concept. Located in the heart of the historic boiler house of the new Bahnstadt district, this hybrid social finance hub was created for Sparkasse Leverkusen, replacing the traditional bank counter with a shared experiential space—authentic places that foster relationship, trust, and relevance.

In an urban, digitally native spatial design, banking, community, learning, and lifestyle converge. Financial topics are presented in an accessible, relatable, and non-hierarchical manner—tailored to different life stages from vocational training through university and career entry to first major investments. A particular challenge in the design was the limited floor area of just 194 m²: originally planned for a different tenant, it had to be adapted to Sparkasse's rigorous requirements around security, technology, and functionality. Simultaneously, the space needed to be organized to support open consultation, flexible usage areas, and both digital and analog formats within a single room. Prior to the actual design phase, the team conducted an intensive analysis of Generation Z's needs regarding modern banking, which informed a future outlook on how banking operations and branch concepts might evolve in the coming years.

From this analysis emerged a modular spatial concept built on flexibility, openness, and interaction. Five distinct zones are defined through strategically positioned furniture and lighting concepts. The central hub is the "FinanceBar," the primary consultation hotspot. The "Chill & Chat" area fosters spontaneous, informal advisory conversations. The coworking area functions as a flexible workspace and learning environment. The "Hybrid Zone" serves as a stage for events, e-gaming, and community activities. Social media, video content, and creator formats take center stage in the "Creative Corner." The transitions between zones are intentionally fluid—mirroring the boundary between analog and digital worlds. "The lines between physical space and digital interactivity blur," explains Hannah Schwarz, Head of Design at bkp. The design deliberately references the boiler house's industrial character and combines it with striking contrast through contemporary elements: corporate identity colors meet urban materials, graphic structures merge with graffiti and street art aesthetics. Financial topics are communicated here creatively, individually, and on young people's own terms. Talks, workshops, e-gaming events, creator formats, intimate concerts, and after-work sessions keep the space activated—often led by authentic young "Mates" who bridge Sparkasse's financial expertise with the lived reality of the target audience.
www.b-k-p.net

Photography:
Annika Feuss
annikafeuss.com

(Published in CUBE Cologne 01|26)