Signals & Stats : Daily Signals

Cool airport refuge

By Alex Jordan 26 : 06 : 2015 HAF Sudios : Karlssonwilker : Loksins

Reykjavík – Weary travellers will rejoice at Loksins, a new airport bar that will tempt customers to tear up their tickets to stay.

Located at Keflavík International Airport, it is the first and last bar people will see when visiting Iceland
From New York designers Karlssonwilker and Icelandic designers HAF Studios, Loksins is a stylish and convivial space around a central bar area

Loskins Bar at Keflavik International Airport designed by Karlssonwilker and HAF Studios, Reykjavik

The bar, the name of which means ‘finally’ in Icelandic , is every bit the respite it claims to be, a refuge for travellers on a mission, whether it is business or pleasure.

Loksins oozes craft in every corner, from the drinks on tap – local Brennivín schnapps and Borg beer – to the bespoke artworks and rotating retro sign above the counter, with neat references to its location, including a manual calendar showing the amount of daylight to expect in each week of an Icelandic year.

‘All of the interiors are inspired by traditional Icelandic timber houses that you will find in the 101 Reykjavík hotel, reflecting the relaxed and lively character of a true Reykjavík bar,’ HAF founder Hafsteinn Júlíusson tells LS:N Global. ‘We wanted to create an intimate atmosphere so we have placed a lot of interesting information and unexplained stories that should prompt a conversation between guests and the staff about Icelandic traditions.’

The Big Picture: Airports are evolving from characterless hubs to retail centres in their own right with a strong sense of place-making. Find out more in our Airport Retail market report.