Humming city plazas are a feature of Christchurch’s regeneration masterplan. At its centre, The Terrace, a $140-million riverfront development, is home to Westpac’s flagship branch.

Designed as it was, in the aftermath of the Caterbury earthquakes a time of uncertainty and fluid descision-making, Context utilised virtual reality to articulate the design to the client team, consultants, and contractors who in turn used it to communicate progress with the developer. Collectively, a high degree of understanding and trust was built between project stakeholders, ensuring a “no-surprises” outcome.

The fitout shifted Westpac’s retail branches toward a less formal, relaxed feel, opening the interior to the pedestrian-only street and enhancing the sense of connectivity between the bank and its customers.