Description

"This 16,000 sq. ft. bank occupies a site of urban renewal area south of downtown Lowell. The plan is based on a square steel-framed bay, repeated seven times, with fire stairs added at either side. In the "missing" either bay at the southeast corner of the building is a small vertical volume comprising a green house and an open terrace atop the vault, which forms one edge of the small plaza that greets visitors arriving on foot. A series of terraces and low walls completes this outdoor space. Under the southernmost bay are the building entrance and a walkway leading to the parking lot; under the northern bays are two drive-through lanes with automatic teller machines. While very simple in plan, in three dimensions it adds up to a surprisingly rich syntax that functions with clarity and grace." From "Imre Halasz, Anthony Halasz", by Gaspar and Timon, 2002.