Gagarin

Designing a tactile journey through the history of Iceland

Gagarin is an Iceland-based experience design studio that creates highly interactive media solutions, weaving education, information, and data into compelling stories to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Find out more about our client Gagarin’s immersive exhibition installations, which not only impress countless visitors of the Þingvellir Visitor Center in Hakið, but have also won two Red Dot Design Awards for “Information Design” and “Interface Design and User Experience”.

Heart of Iceland

An interactive journey through history and nature

For centuries, Þingvellir has had a special place in the heart of any Icelander. Not only is it a natural wonder located on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, but Þingvellir is also the place where Iceland became a commonwealth with the founding of the Parliament in 930 AD.

To bring the significance of this vibrant and historic place to life, the Icelandic agency Gagarin, based in Reykjavík and known for its award-winning installations, was tasked with developing an innovative exhibition concept for the Þingvellir Visitor Center in Hakið.

© Gagarin – Heart of Iceland, The Law Council

Lögrétta – The Law Council

The Lögrétta (Law Council), founded in 930 AD was a part of the General Assembly in Iceland during the period of the Old Commonwealth. The work of the Lögrétta was multifaceted as it settled disputes, passed new laws, and granted exemption from laws.

Using one of the installation’s HAPTICORE rotary haptic knobs mounted above the Council, visitors become an active part of the assembly and can immerse themselves deeper into its work.

Foreign Rule

When Icelanders lost their independence, to the Norwegian King in 1262, it marked the end of the Icelandic Commonwealth. The 700 years that followed were a time of decline for the entire nation.

The installation condenses historical data from hundreds of years and, in combination with an appealing, uncluttered visualization, makes it a tangible experience. This way, it gives the visitors a good overview of Iceland’s different foreign rulers and how its people gradually gained back sovereignty with full independence in 1944.

Lake Þingvallavatn

Lake Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland. It is rich in natural life and is home to one of the largest trout species in the world, as well as four unique species of arctic char. A great example of how nature shapes one species into many.

Visitors can use one of the integrated HAPTICORE rotary knobs to haptically scan the map of the lake and learn about its wildlife and geology.

This is Gagarin

About our customer

Gagarin is an experiential design studio passionate about weaving education, information and data into compelling stories that leave a lasting impression on visitors. With decades of experience, the Gagarin team’s powerful creative imagination has consistently produced award-winning installations.

Gagarin’s recipe for success: an excellent balance between passion and methodology. That’s why every project is backed by strict production standards, a strong creative drive and great attention to detail.

Visit gagarin.is