I Mammons sal : Banksalar förr och nu

The thesis explores the design of the bank hall, as it was created during the golden age of bank palaces around the turn of the century. Furthermore, it investigates what has happened to the bank halls since then and what activities are conducted in them today. A bank hall was designed to represent the bank, both practically and symbolically, in the meeting with the customer. Recognized styles, the wishes of the orderers and the visions of the architects influenced the design of the bank hall. The study focuses on the fifteen bank palaces that were built in the center of Stockholm during the heydays of Swedish banking, between 1894 - 1921. The review reports which banks ordered the palaces, when the houses were built, the appointed architects and who the current owners of the houses are. In addition, similarities and differences between the bank halls are reported, for instance: form of style, lighting and dimensions. A reading of articles about bank palaces and bank halls in the Swedish newspapers during the corresponding period gives a picture of how the newly built banks were received in the press. Three of the bank halls are studied in more detail to answer questions about the design and message of the halls, how the halls were percieved and what´s happened to them today. Theories about spaciousness and reception are also being tested on the three bank halls to try to get a grip on how visitors, both past and present, have experienced the halls. The thesis explores how the bank halls are used today and how they could be used when the banks have moved to more efficient premises.