The Viscaria project in Kiruna represents a unique initiative where architect Niklas Granljung from A&D Arkitektkontor is working to create a visually cohesive and long-term sustainable environment. From material choices and colour palettes to lighting design, his team is shaping a space where nature, industry, and people coexist—potentially setting a new standard for future architectural projects.
In this article, Niklas Granljung shares his insights and vision for the architectural design of Viscaria Mine and Viscaria Village.
A Vision for Sustainable Architecture
“We were genuinely inspired by Viscaria’s approach to restoring nature and minimising resource use,” says Niklas Granljung. He explains how the geomorphological design principles of Viscaria Mine—aimed at minimising landscape impact—have influenced the overall design strategy for the area.
The project merges zones for people gathering, such as office and recreational areas, with more industrial environments like processing or water treatment plants. The design team intentionally developed high-traffic spaces—such as entrances and parking areas—by incorporating planters and greenery to create a welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, the industrial zones are designed with clarity, safety, and security in mind. Meanwhile, the Viscaria Village housing development places a strong emphasis on social sustainability in its design.
A Colour Palette Inspired by the Northern Landscape
The colour scheme chosen for the Viscaria industrial area is intended to complement the surrounding mountainous landscape, featuring shades of red that range from darker to lighter tones. “These red hues harmonise with the autumn hills and also evoke the familiar Falun red cottages found throughout the north and Sweden,” Granljung explains
Accent colours of black and copper reflect the iron and copper deposits beneath the earth, while the use of brass and black metal throughout the design echoes the area’s mining heritage. These subtle touches highlight architectural details, reinforcing the connection to the mining industry. The gradient of reds is also designed to support the long-term ageing process of the site, recognising that colours will evolve over time as buildings are constructed in phases.
“We believe a cohesive colour scheme is crucial to conveying order within the industrial area, fostering a sense of unity across the buildings, entrances, offices, and even a future visitor centre,” says Niklas.
He also reflects on the broader significance of this colour palette for Kiruna: “Given Viscaria’s visibility from the town, we recognise that its appearance will have an environmental impact. Viscaria Village, which will be visible from the train station, will introduce subtle variety to the area through our colour choices.”
Balancing Industry and Human Environments
Niklas emphasises the importance of maintaining a clear separation between industrial zones and areas where people spend time: “From the moment we engaged with Viscaria, it was clear how deeply the organisation cares for both the environment and its people.”
Beyond creating a safe work environment, the aim was to design a solution that supports the well-being of partners who spend extended periods at Viscaria. This vision led to the development of Viscaria Village, a space designed with genuine consideration for the people living and working there. Like other thoughtfully planned residential areas, Viscaria Village will foster social connections, essential for human well-being. The village includes changing rooms, offices, and private rooms with kitchens and bathrooms, offering comfort and privacy.
“We embraced the village model to create a positive living environment,” says Niklas. “The buildings are arranged around common spaces with shared amenities, including barbecue areas, sports fields, sun terraces, green spaces, and other social spaces, to encourage a sense of community among residents and workers.”
Aesthetic and Functional Lighting
Lighting plays a dual role on the site: in the industrial areas, large-scale lighting fixtures ensure visibility and safety, while in the housing areas, lighting is scaled down to create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. The division between industrial and human-centred spaces is emphasised through thoughtful lighting design.
“In areas with more pedestrian movement, we aim to create a more human and pleasant lighting environment,” explains Granljung.
Viscaria’s visibility from Kiruna has also influenced the lighting design, with the team exploring the idea of a lighting element that could give the site a distinctive presence in the Kiruna night sky. “We’re considering ways to illuminate the mine entrance, making it a landmark for the residents of Kiruna,” Granljung adds.
Details that Make the Difference
“It’s been incredibly exciting to work on the design program for Viscaria,” concludes Granljung. “This is our firm’s first mining project, and I believe others could draw inspiration from our approach. Achieving a positive impact often comes down to making the right choices from the start.”
