KI seating, bespoke workstations & storage selected for Bank Albilad’s

Bank Albilad, one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest and most innovative financial services providers, has selected KI furniture for its new headquarters in Riyadh and the new offices for its subsidiary, Albilad Capital. The new HQ, designed by IDC, is spread across 13 floors, providing over 2,000 workers with modern, open and varied workspaces. Marking a transition away from ‘cubicle’ floorplans, the new building preserves the important elements of modesty and privacy for workers within a more open-plan setting.

To achieve this new workplace strategy, Bank Albilad worked closely with Almaktaba, IDC, and KI to co-create the perfect furniture solution through a rigorous and collaborative process. KI’s inhouse team of space planners, designers and engineers used the latest technology and worked with an established network of manufacturing partners across the UK to prototype and refine the final products.

These bespoke workstations and storage define the new working environment that balances openness with the cellular style that people were accustomed to. Modelled on KI’s signature UniteSE range, the bespoke workstations are accessorized with open-fronted, floating third-level MFC storage which integrates perfectly with the screen height. This adds to a sense of privacy and enclosure, without compromising sightlines. The extra storage also allows workers to better organise and personalise their desk space. This MFC storage features air force edge banding, creating a discrete, clean edge detail compared to standard MFC where glue lines are more prominent.

Just below deck level is a standalone, bespoke MFC storage unit that features a single sliding door and a partial seat pad. This versatile unit slides under the desk, providing a dual function as both open personal storage and as a casual, temporary seat for better communication between colleagues. It also enhances the effect of enclosed, delineated space using a soft, tactile and functional item, rather than an obstructive screen or barrier.

Away from desk, casual working and breakout spaces are furnished with KI’s innovative Sway lounge chair, the only chair in the world to feature its unique gyroscopic motion. The colour palette throughout the project includes shades of whites and greys punctuated with bright, on-brand red upholstery.

Hatem Saleh Aljared, project manager, Bank Albilad comments: "Our new headquarters mark a significant milestone in our company’s evolution. We are really proud of our new, modern offices which bring all our teams together under one roof. KI was an invaluable partner in bringing our vision for this office to life. Their collaborative approach, design expertise and global supply chain ensured that our bespoke products were robust, elegant and cost-effective."

Vahé H. Yazédjian, consultant, Almaktaba Stores Co. Ltd, continues: "Working with a manufacturer like KI makes collaborative design and customisation simple and achievable. Their in-house expertise and agile supply chain network made every part of the process easy for us and our client – from prototyping and planning to mock-ups in their London showroom, right through to space planning, delivery, and ongoing customer service."

About Almaktaba Stores Co. Ltd.
Almaktaba was founded in 1958 and since then has become a household name, renowned for being an innovative leader in the market. With strongly held values, we are today able to deploy all our capabilities and experience to provide our clients with a wide range of top stationery, technology, office supplies, and furniture. We do this through our 14 branches, which are located in the main cities and regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About IDC
IDC is a leading-edge international Design and Build firm that provides a customized solution for planning, designing, building, and furnishing of residential, commercial and institutional spaces. Founded in Los Angeles in 1985, the firm has extended its activities abroad and now operates affiliate offices in Riyadh, Valencia, and Beirut to cater to various markets. www.idc-arch.com

About Bank Albilad
Bank Albilad is a Saudi joint-stock company, established via Royal Decree 48/M on 04 November 2004 with a corporate capital of 6,000,000,000 Saudi Riyals. Its vision is to be the preferred choice of genuine Islamic banking solutions by providing initiatives and innovative banking services on a genuine Islamic basis, to meet the ambitions of clients, employees, and shareholders. Based in Riyadh, Bank Albilad seeks to expand all over Saudi cities and regions in addition to providing women’s branches and banking services centres. Bank Albilad provides all banking products and services on all levels and segments including business finance, retail banking, and investment products. www.bankalbilad.com