A Hub for Social Interaction

By Editorial Staff - 1 April 2025
Iris Ceramica Group has participated in the project

Soft lighting, vibrant colors, and modern design have reinvented the third floor of Kringlan. Reykjavík’s first shopping mall, it opened in 1987 and occupies 50,000 sq. m with over 150 stores.

The restyling, the work of THG Arkitektar, has introduced a fresh approach to the mall’s retail and entertainment offerings, reinforcing its essential role in a climate that often restricts outdoor activities. Occupying 7,000 sq. m, the new level hosts over 20 foodservice outlets operating under the name Kúmen, along with a bistro, a children’s area, a multi-screen cinema, a gym, and a social gaming area, all connected to the Reykjavík City Theater.

Si accende un faro di socialità | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy THG Arkitektar

The centerpiece of the renovation is the Kúmen food court, named after cumin, one of Iceland’s few native spices. With an open, permeable design, the space is a celebration of different culinary traditions that encourages social interaction. Kúmen comprises several sections, each with its own distinct visual identity, but all with an extensive presence of ceramics. The space located near the entrance features wall coverings that alternate between timber paneling and glossy white surfaces. Upholstered bench seating in a vibrant shade of blue, and wooden chairs and tables create a warm atmosphere, while the antique pink coffered ceiling with its glowing spheres adds a touch of elegance.

Several dining areas, with tables and benches upholstered in shades of orange and blue, surround the spacious food hall. Light taupe ceramic flooring laid diagonally recreates the esthetic of city streets, while giving the space a sense of fluidity and dynamism. Ideal for a quick and casual snack, square, timber-clad columns with integrated tables demarcate the area.

Si accende un faro di socialità | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy THG Arkitektar L’area food & beverage Kúmen, all’interno del centro commerciale Kringlan, è caratterizzata da un’ampia sala, circondata da diversi punti ristoro, che offrono la possibilità di gustare una varietà di tradizioni gastronomiche.

Featuring floral wallpaper, planters, and straw pendant lamps, the Finnsson Bistro is another space that encourages social interaction. Its custom brushed parquet floor adds to its sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly harmonizing with the terracotta tones of the chairs and benches. The bistro also has a private dining room with an elegant white ceramic table that conveys a sense of both luxury and intimacy. The adjacent veranda has Venetian terrazzo ceramic effect flooring in a light gray with touches of pink and black, which pairs with the tables made from the same material. Cascades of greenery hanging from the ceiling and beige canvas chairs complete the scene.

Si accende un faro di socialità | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy THG Arkitektar

Also on the third floor is a leisure area created in collaboration with well-known social gaming group Oche®. This engaging space features a large counter surrounded by stools and several private areas. An earth-inspired color palette ranges from forest green to ocher, while fine materials and parquet flooring further enhance the space. The design team paid special attention to the bathrooms, which feature an elegantly striking design with mirrors, pink LED lights, plants, and sofas.

The Sambíóin cinema has also been redesigned to offer more accessible and welcoming spaces, including a VIP section with heated seats and sofas. A striking 14-m long pink full body ceramic counter contributes to the space’s originality and elegance.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | The leisure area, developed in collaboration with social gaming group Oche®, is on the third floor. Its color palette centers on earthy tones with green accents.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | Decorated with floral wallpaper and straw lamps, the Finnsson Bistro also has a private dining room. The adjoining veranda features ceramic flooring with the esthetic of Venetian terrazzo, the same material used for the tables.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | Part of the Kringlan shopping mall, Kúmen is a spacious food court surrounded by a range of eateries that offer shoppers a variety of cuisines.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Iris Ceramica, and SapienStone – all Iris Ceramica Group brands – supplied 5,000 sq. m of ceramic finishes for the Kringlan project. All these products combine esthetics, durability, and versatility. The leisure area, for example, features Palladio, a line of full-body porcelain stoneware from FMG.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | Finished with white ceramic and adorned with mirrors, pink LED signage, plants, and sofas, the restrooms have a chic atmosphere.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | The cinema includes a VIP section with state-of-the-art acoustics and heated reclining seats, where viewers can comfortably lie back and enjoy the film.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | The Sambíóin cinema was redesigned to offer the public more accessible and welcoming spaces, thus enhancing the multisensory experience.

A Hub for Social Interaction | © Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar | The cinema’s foyer features a 14 m-long pink and full body ceramic concession stand with glass-sections for displaying candy and popcorn.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Client: Reitir
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 7,000 m²
Architect, Interior and Landscape Designer: THG Arkitektar

Consultants
Structural: Hnit
Lighting and Electrical: Verkhönnun
Mechanical and Plumbing: Teknik
User Experience: M Worldwide

Photography: Claudio Parada Nunes, courtesy of THG Arkitektar

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