After a five-year break, the FI Forum 2023, the in-house exhibition of the Sparkassen IT service provider Finanz Informatik (FI), impressed with a striking and sustainably designed platform for information, knowledge exchange and interaction.
The challenge
The realisation of a communication space that connects and structures the main topics, the numerous exhibition stands and the various lecture and dialogue formats on an area of 9,000 square metres.
Our approach
An open, dialog-promoting platform combined with a modular and sustainable design.
The theme of the FI Forum 2023 at the exhibition grounds in Frankfurt am Main was #SimplyFI. Covering almost 9,000 square meters with 80 own stands and around 100 partner stands, it offered a platform for exchange and information. The trade fair design created an atmosphere of openness that encouraged and supported dialogue about innovative banking solutions. At the same time, the energy – and resource-saving design of the trade fair emphasised FI's commitment to sustainability.
“Re:think- Re:duce - Re:pair - Re:built - Re:use - Re:furbish - Re:cycle - or Composted? Most players in the industry are clear about which path we should take. However, there is often a lack of consistent action and prioritisation in the budget approach. This requires courage, commitment and the will to change from everyone involved.”
Uta Brinksmeier Head of production
RED “FLOW“ PROVIDES STRUCTURE
The principle of openness also determined the design of the seven thematic focal points. The thematic areas were identified and separated from each other by semi-transparent thread curtains. The curtains also served as a projection surface.
The seven themed areas were framed by the “Flow”, an organically curved fabric panel in corporate red. The flow structured the exhibition hall like a “red thread” and provided guidance and orientation at the same time.
Stylised trees in white, red and natural also served as a spatial key visual. Grouped together in varying numbers, the trees formed an organic network.
WORLDS OF EXPERIENCE: FROM TABLE TENNIS TO THE INFINITY MIRROR
Three themed areas with their respective worlds of experience were all about interaction. A curved red table tennis table in the “Digital Banking” area encouraged visitors to play together. The fast and agile game symbolised a dynamic and reactive banking system.
A walk-through mirror portal with an “infinity mirror” awaited visitors to the “Corporate Clients+” theme. The exhibit suggested spatial depth through endless play and was a popular selfie spot at the FI-Forum.
The question “Which property can I afford?” was addressed in the “Real Estate and Financing” area of the Experience World. Here, visitors were able to explore and experience various dimensions and scenarios on the way from the building site to their own home.
SUSTAINABLE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
An important aspect of the implementation was the use of sustainable and recyclable solutions. Already in the planning phase, attention was paid to minimising the use of raised floors and avoiding full-surface floor coverings. The carpeting used in some areas was cradle-to-cradle certified. The one-off use of items such as name badges, crockery or furniture made of plastic was avoided. Existing furniture and decorative elements were reused.
