Kinan Mall Baskets

PenguinCube developed a distinctive ceiling installation for Kinan Mall in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with DLR Group, drawing inspiration from the traditional craft of palm weaving. Rooted in the everyday life of Saudi homes, palm weaving has historically been used to create roofs, walls, baskets and mats, with fronds carefully split, boiled, dyed and dried before being woven by hand. This traditional craft became the starting point for a contemporary spatial intervention within the mall.

The design translated the visual rhythm and woven structure of palm fronds into a large-scale ceiling installation, creating a strong visual element that celebrates local heritage while responding to the character of the contemporary retail environment. The installation introduces texture, repetition and movement overhead, creating an immersive experience as visitors move through the space.

Beyond its visual role, the ceiling installation was designed to draw attention upward and encourage visitors to explore an underused upper level of the mall. By creating a distinctive spatial landmark, the intervention helps redirect movement and activity towards an overlooked part of the destination, turning an underutilised area into a more engaging part of the visitor journey.

In collaboration with DLR Group, PenguinCube combined cultural storytelling, material inspiration and spatial design to create an environmental feature that connects Saudi heritage with contemporary retail. The project demonstrates how design interventions can strengthen a destination’s identity while influencing movement, engagement and the overall visitor experience.