Material narratives at Kringlan Mall, Reykjavik

Situated in Reykjavik, Kringlan boasts approximately 150 commercial outlets across a total area of 50,000 square meters. Its iconic status stems from both its prime location—near the city center and at Iceland’s busiest crossroads—and its role as an indoor hub offering diverse services and activities where people can enjoy quality time.

Shopping malls hold a unique significance in Icelandic life, serving not just as retail spaces but also as vital social gathering spots. Given the island’s challenging climate, they provide a comfortable and sheltered environment for people to spend time outside their homes.

Led by the architecture firm THG Arkitektar, with the support and vision of Reitir, a leading real estate development group, and consulting expertise from the UK company M Worldwide, Kringlan’s third floor has been recently transformed into a dynamic entertainment hub, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences. The goal was to design an aesthetically appealing, welcoming, and engaging space that encourages visitors to enjoy and share their entertainment experiences on social media while remaining adaptable to evolving social trends.

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.” Spanning approximately 7,000 square meters, the newly renovated space features over 20 dining options (Kúmen), a bistro, a children’s play area, a multi-screen cinema, the new Oche entertainment zone, and a spacious gym, all seamlessly connected to the nearby Reykjavik City Theatre.

THG Arkitektar aimed to go beyond creating a mere passageway, instead designing a fluid, open, and dynamic environment where visitors can relax, socialize, and feel at home. The profound impact of architecture and design on social behavior was a key consideration in shaping the third floor’s layout. This approach guided the firm in developing thoughtful solutions that enhance the user experience, fostering a sense of belonging, inclusion, and community.

During the design phase, careful consideration was given to material selection. For the coverings, ceramics from FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Iris Ceramica, and Sapienstone—all part of the Iris Ceramica Group—were specifically chosen for their quality and aesthetic appeal.

Paolo Gianfrancesco adds “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.”

The Food Hall

A key aspect of the renovation was the redesign of the food hall, Kúmen, conceived to offer an inviting dining experience where visitors can enjoy a meal in an informal setting while staying connected to the lively surroundings. The design incorporates diverse elements that reflect Icelandic culture and celebrate inclusivity.

To ensure both aesthetics and durability, Pietra di Sciara by Iris Ceramica was chosen for the flooring in dining areas and walkways, offering resilience against heavy foot traffic and mechanical cleaning. The irregularly shaped space, free of sharp corners, was enhanced with a diagonal tile layout and varied color tones, adding a dynamic visual effect. The textured surface recalls traditional cobblestone streets, evoking an outdoor feel within the indoor setting. The walls are enriched with a handcrafted touch, featuring Elementi Rivestimenti by Iris Ceramica in a classic brick format with a minimal, linear design, bringing warmth and texture to the space.

Among the restaurants, Finnsson Bistrot stands out with its vibrant yet refined ambiance, highlighted by the multicolored stone and marble granules of Venice Villa by FMG, a Venetian terrazzo-effect porcelain. Used across walkways, backsplash walls, and greenhouse tabletops, its charming mélange texture harmonizes with the functionality of full-body porcelain stoneware, seamlessly blending beauty and practicality.

In the bistro’s private dining room, a striking round table, approximately two meters in diameter, crafted from Calacatta Macchia Vecchia by Sapienstone, serves as the centerpiece. Its refined elegance brings a touch of contemporary luxury, making the space perfect for exclusive gatherings and special occasions.

The Play Area

A dedicated play area on the third floor, developed in collaboration with Oche®, a renowned Northern European entertainment specialist, brings together social gaming, premium dining, and cutting-edge interactive experiences. Designed to foster an immersive and inclusive environment, the space encourages visitors to connect, have fun, and share their moments on social media. Interior design plays a crucial role in enhancing this experience.

The space features a bold and captivating aesthetic, with high-quality materials, intimate seating areas, and striking, unconventional color combinations. Beneath the shuffleboards, Palladio by FMG technical ceramics add to the dynamic atmosphere, reinforcing the area’s engaging and social appeal.

Sapienstone 4D Arabescato surfaces have been extensively used for countertops in both the dramatic open kitchen and the focal point of the project—the cocktail bar—enhancing the space with elegance and sophistication. For the Oche bathrooms, THG Arkitektar prioritized comfort and a welcoming atmosphere, creating a visually striking environment with bold and unexpected color combinations, refined details, and natural elements that enhance the space’s fluidity. The Pietra di Sciara and Elementi Rivestimenti by Iris Ceramica surfaces add a touch of elegance, further elevating the design. The result is an Instagram-worthy setting, inviting visitors to capture and share their experience.

The Cinema

The cinema has undergone a complete transformation, prioritizing both quality and experience. To create a more open and inviting atmosphere, physical barriers were removed, allowing seamless access to the popcorn and food and beverage areas. Enhancing the experience further, a new VIP room—considered Iceland’s most luxurious—was introduced, featuring plush armchairs, cozy sofa beds for couples, heated seats, phone chargers, and cutting-edge acoustics that align with the latest technological advancements.

The reception area was also redesigned, now showcasing a striking 14-meter counter with a bold pink effect, beautifully complemented by Seminato Candido ceramic coverings by Sapienstone, adding a touch of elegance and modernity to the space.

With this extensive renovation, Kringlan has reaffirmed its status as a landmark in Iceland, seamlessly blending innovation and functionality. The redesigned mall now presents a vibrant, inviting environment where visitors can shop, socialize, and enjoy a diverse range of experiences. Beyond aesthetics, the transformation prioritized enhancing both usability and safety, with a meticulous selection of high-quality ceramic materials.

Surfaces by Iris Ceramica Group’s brands – FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Iris Ceramica, and Sapienstone – were not only chosen for their visual appeal but also for their ability to elevate the overall experience, fostering better interaction between visitors and staff while ensuring durability and performance across all areas.