Emporia Pelago Pilot Project
- Customer Steen & Strøm, Klépierre Group
- Architect Green Furniture Concept
- Year 2025
- Location Malmö, Sweden
The benches fit very well into the environment. They combine function and design in a very good way, which is essential for us since Emporia is very much about design.
Emporia, one of Sweden’s biggest shopping destinations, is renowned for blending cutting-edge architecture with elevated customer experiences. As part of Steen & Strøm, a leading Scandinavian shopping centre operator within the Klépierre Group, Emporia continues to explore meaningful ways to enhance the retail experience. In collaboration with Green Furniture Concept, the centre became the pilot site for our newest seating concept, Pelago. The installation, tested over six months, marks the first public implementation of the new series, offering a thoughtful approach to modular, durable, and biophilic design.
The Opportunity
Emporia welcomed the chance to take part in this pilot as a natural extension of its commitment to innovation and visitor well-being. The aim was to improve the atmosphere in a specific area while exploring new ways of engaging guests. Sustainability, longevity, and adaptability were foundational to the decision, in line with the centre’s long-term procurement values.
When the opportunity to be part of a pilot arose, we of course jumped at it,” says Martin Lundquist, Shopping Centre Manager at Emporia. “We want to raise the level of experience in this area and saw this as a new way to meet our visitors.”
Design & Integration
The modular seating elements blend naturally with the architectural context, supporting both visual flow and practical function. Known for its strong design identity, Emporia appreciated how the furniture offered a clean, minimal presence while still meeting key operational needs. Compared to previous upholstered furniture, Pelago stands out for its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and refined detailing.
To ensure a cohesive visual expression, the color of the metal parts of Pelago was matched to the green-stained glass of Emporia’s iconic spiral staircase. This subtle but deliberate design choice created a link between the new installation and one of the mall’s most recognisable architectural features. The tone also reflects the natural greenery present in the surrounding area, particularly the planted elements integrated into the space.
Early Observations
Though still in its early days, the Pelago installation has already prompted valuable reflections from the Emporia team. Staff and stakeholders have commented on the calm, cohesive aesthetic and the sense of quality it brings to the space.
One of the standout observations was how easily the installation met operational needs in a high-traffic zone. The Emporia team also noted the ease of maintenance throughout the pilot period, especially in comparison to previous solutions.
“The simplicity and durability have really impressed us. Even though it’s a heavily trafficked area, the furniture has handled the pressure well and remained in excellent condition,” Lundquist comments.
Looking Ahead
While formal measurements and insights are still evolving, the pilot has provided a valuable opportunity to observe Pelago in action within a complex, high-traffic setting. Early outcomes suggest strong alignment between the product’s promise and its real-world impact. More importantly, it has opened doors to further collaboration and knowledge-sharing across regions.
“It has attracted attention within the company,” Lundquist notes. “There have even been discussions with our centers in Spain.”
Conclusion
The Pelago pilot at Emporia represents more than just a new product launch; it reflects a shared curiosity and a willingness to explore better ways of designing public space. We are grateful to the Emporia team for their trust, openness, and collaboration throughout this early phase. Together, we’ve taken a small but meaningful step toward shaping the future of public seating.
Products in this project
Green Retail Spaces
We turn retail spaces into community places. We use the principle of biophilic design to create welcoming environments where shoppers are encouraged to stay for a while and experience their surroundings at a slower pace. After all, longer dwell times are correlated to greater spending.
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