Page 133 - JCAU-6-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Bank of China’s modern buildings

Figure 9. Bank of China’s modern buildings Plan Layout Type Statistics. Source: Drawing by Jun Wang J

the National Government of Nanjing (1928 – 1949), and A B
British Hong Kong buildings (1949 – 1997) (Table 3).

5.2.2. Building layout
The existing 26 modern buildings of the Bank of China
exhibit three main types of layouts: square block-shaped
buildings, strip combined buildings, and mansion depth-
type buildings (Figure 9), which are detailed as follows: Figure 10. Differences in commercial space layout between traditional
and modern banks. (A) Interior of the Shaoxing branch building, with
(i) Square block-shaped buildings: These structures mixed commercial and residential usage. (B) Interior space of the
adopt a central layout often arranged in a square plan Tianjin branch building, with a spacious lobby and organized office
form. Characterized by buildings centered amidst compartments. Source: Photos by Jun Wang
open space, they integrate the creation of public
business halls, becoming the spatial symbol of modern (iii) Mansion depth-type buildings: This architectural style
financial buildings. Over time, these buildings evolved incorporates courtyards or other interior spaces that
from early layouts with cross-flow patterns around provide depth to the building’s layout, often enhancing
patios to more functional spaces surrounding bright, the building’s esthetics and functionality.
spacious public halls, enhancing functional space and From a design perspective, modern bank buildings
passenger flow efficiency. differ significantly from traditional financial institutions,
(ii) Strip-combined buildings: These structures typically which featured mixed residential and business spaces (Xie
consist of long, narrow buildings or a combination of et al., 2013). Modern bank buildings compartmentalize
multiple strip-like buildings. Similar to square block- spaces for public services, emphasizing moving line
shaped buildings, they also incorporate the concept of design, spatial organization, and risk management. These
a public business hall. buildings encompass public areas for external business,

Volume 6 Issue 2 (2024) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2166