Kringlan is the first indoor shopping mall built in Iceland and, since it was opened in 1987, has become a key attraction for the Icelandic people. Located in Reykjavik, it has around 150 commercial outlets and a total surface area of around 50,000 square metres. Malls have a special place in the Icelanders’ life, not only for shopping but also for social activities. Given the particular climatic conditions on the island, they offer a precious opportunity for spending time outside the home in a comfortable, protected environment. And Kringlan in particular has always played an iconic role for the population, both due to its position - close to the city centre and on Iceland’s busiest crossroads -, and because as an indoor facility it offers great services and activities where people can spend quality time.
Under the guide of the architecture firm THG Arkitektar, supported and inspired by Reitir, a leading real estate development group, and the consulting of the UK company M Worldwide, the third floor at Kringlan was recently renovated to become an entertainment space with a wide range of diversified experiences for its visitors. As the architect Paolo Gianfrancesco, partner of THG Arkitektar, explains, “this was more than just a restyling operation, it was a general redesign of the spaces, flows and type of activities on the third floor, aiming mainly to make entertainment and experience its beating heart.” The area, measuring around 7,000 square metres, now has over 20 catering outlets (Kúmen), a bistro, a kids’ play area, a multi-screen cinema, the new Oche® entertainment area and a large gym, all connected to the nearby Reykjavik City Theatre.
The idea was to create a visually pleasing, welcoming and stimulating space, inviting visitors to enjoy and share their entertainment experience also on social media and able to adapt to social changes. Through design, THG Arkitektar created not a simple crossing space but rather a fluid, open and vibrant environment where customers can enjoy spending time, taking a stroll and meeting friends and family: a place where they can feel at home. The concept of the huge influence of architecture and design on social behaviour was central in designing and modelling the layout on the third floor. This led the firm to develop and implement solutions to improve the user-experience, fostering a sense of belonging, inclusion and sharing.
In the design phase, close attention was paid to the selection of materials and, particularly for the coverings, the chosen ceramics are by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Iris Ceramica and Sapienstone, all brands belonging to the Iris Ceramica Group. Paolo Gianfrancesco explains: "we’re talking of around 5,000 square metres of flooring, in addition to the wall coverings in all the kitchen and bathroom facilities. The choice of using ceramics
is based on their easy installation and maintenance, their excellent durability, high safety and comfort standards for the users and, above all, the really wide range of patterns and visual aspects available.”
One key element of the intervention was the redesign of the food hall, called "Kúmen". As the architect explains, “we wanted to give the food hall a name that stands out from the rest of the shopping mall, with its own clear identity: we chose Kúmen, the Icelandic translation of the word cumin, one of the very few spices that has always grown wild in Iceland. With its tiny seed, it symbolises the desire to nurture a fresh start for the mall and cultivate a sense of adventure.” An exotic word that blends well with the range of multi-ethnic food proposals on offer. The design was studied to invite people to enjoy a lunch experience and spend informal time with a constant view of what is going on around them. A variety of elements that reflect the Icelandic culture and embrace diversity were incorporated in the project. To ensure beauty and resistance to foot traffic and mechanical cleaning, Pietra di Sciara by Iris Ceramica was laid on the floors in the food outlets and crossing areas. The irregular shaped space with no sharp corners was enhanced by diagonal laying and varying colours that add a dynamic appeal. The surface pattern is reminiscent of cobblestone streets, making visitors feel as if they were walking outdoors. The walls are warmed with a touch of craft smoothness, in the form of Elementi Rivestimenti by Iris Ceramica, in the classic brick format with a minimal, linear design. Among the restaurants, the Finnsson Bistrot stands out for its lively, elegant atmosphere underlined by the infinite-coloured stone and marble granules of the Venetian terrazzo-effect Venice Villa by FMG. Laid in the walkways, on the walls above the backsplash and table tops in the greenhouse, the charming mélange texture blends with the practical function of full-body porcelain stoneware. For the architect Gianfrancesco, “one of the qualities of FMG full-body ceramics is that it can be used not only for floor and wall coverings but also for furniture. It is easy to cut and, in particular, the depth of shade and texture guarantees both the technical features of cleanliness and hardness but also a visual and aesthetic appeal that other materials don't have. So we took the surface to where it can be touched by hand.” In the private room in the bistro, there is a large round table measuring around two metres in diameter, made using Calacatta Macchia Vecchia by Sapienstone: spectacularly sophisticated, it adds a touch of contemporary luxury to the room, making it ideal for exclusive meetings and special occasions.
A play area on the third floor designed in partnership with Oche®, a famous northern European entertainment specialist, offers social gaming facilities to combine socialisation, premium food and pioneering games. The aim is to offer people an immersive, inclusive experience and a place to have fun, interact and post photos and videos on social media.
Also in this context, the role of interior design was fundamental. Here it is original and attractive, with quality materials, secluded seating areas and strong, unusual colour combinations. The Palladio by FMG technical ceramics laid beneath the shuffle boards helps to create an engaging atmosphere. For Paolo Gianfrancesco, "Palladio was chosen for several reasons, mainly for its strength and scratch resistance. These full-body ceramics help to avoid problems caused by chipping due to the improper use of the games. With a profound aesthetic appeal, it also guarantees unmatched technical performance.” Sapienstone 4D Arabescato surfaces have also been used extensively as counter tops for the theatrical open kitchen and the project focus, the cocktail bar: "with the introduction of 4D by Sapienstone, I think we have reached a new era. This new-generation material has infinite potential: the vein crosses the whole body of the slab, with an extreme likeness to natural stone and marble, and it is sustainable, an increasingly important aspect in design. In the definition of the part devoted to the Oche® bathrooms, THG Arkitektar focused on the concept of comfort and welcoming. The spaces amaze with a strong and unusual combination of colours, sophisticated details, as well as the natural plants and flows and the elegant ceramic surfaces Pietra di Sciara and Elementi Rivestimenti by Iris Ceramica. The resulting wow-effect invites visitors to take a selfie to share with friends.
The cinema has also been restyled, placing the focus on quality and experience. The rooms were opened, eliminating the physical barriers to access the popcorn and food and beverage areas. The quality was further enhanced by adding a new VIP room, Iceland’s most luxurious, with armchairs and sofa beds for couples, heated seats, phone chargers and pioneering acoustics in line with the latest trends. The reception area was redesigned to host a 14-metre counter with a surprising pink-effect combined with the ceramic coverings in Seminato Candido by Sapienstone. For Paolo Gianfrancesco, “Sapienstone guarantees comfort for the workers, safety for the customers and in particular adds a touch of smooth elegance that contrasts perfectly with the high-impact pink.”
With this major transformation, Kringlan has consolidated its role as an Icelandic icon. With an innovative and functional design, the mall now offers a welcoming and dynamic space, ideal for shopping, having fun and socialising. The works not only included a careful selection of ceramic materials but also played a fundamental role in improving beauty, function and safety in the various areas.
The FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Iris Ceramica and Sapienstone surfaces have demonstrated how they are not only able to visually enhance spaces but can also improve the interaction of users and operators.
Team:
Design and project management: THG Arkitektar
Leading architect & Interior designer: Paolo Gianfrancesco
Consultants: M Worldwide
Real estate developer: Reitir
Photographer: Studio CAPN
Materials Used:
Pietra di Sciara by Iris Ceramica
Elementi Rivestimenti by Iris Ceramica
Venice Villa by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti
Palladio by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia by Sapienstone
4D Arabescato by Sapienstone
Seminato Candido by Sapienstone
