Architectural Lighting in Entertainment Spaces: Village Cinemas at The Mall Athens
The recent transformation of the foyer at Village Cinemas, designed by STIRIXIS Group, highlights a key evolution in contemporary entertainment architecture: the shift from functional waiting areas to immersive experiences. In projects like this, architectural lighting plays a decisive role in shaping how visitors perceive and navigate the space. In large entertainment venues, lighting must support multiple functions simultaneously like ticketing, circulation, gaming, retail, and social interaction while maintaining a coherent visual identity. Rather than acting merely as illumination, light becomes a spatial language that structures the visitor journey from the entrance of the foyer to the moment the audience enters the cinema halls.
A central design element of the project is the luminous phrase “Everything You Imagine Is Real.” From a lighting design perspective, such illuminated landmarks play a crucial role in orientation and spatial hierarchy. Vertical lighting elements naturally attract attention and function as visual anchors that organize movement within large public interiors.
Equally important is the layering of lighting atmospheres across the different zones of the foyer. Accent lighting emphasizes key brand and entertainment elements, while softer ambient lighting supports lounge areas where visitors gather before and after screenings. This hierarchy of light not only improves spatial legibility but also enhances dwell time and visitor engagement, which is an increasingly important factor in entertainment destinations.
The project, was distinguished at the International Property Awards 2025–26 with the award for Best Mixed-Use Interior Design in Europe, while also being nominated for a global award in the same category. It demonstrates that well-considered design at every level contributes not only to the aesthetic quality of a space but also to its strategic performance. By transforming the foyer into a destination experience, the project strengthens the relationship between the brand and its visitors, while simultaneously creating greater value for space itself.
Alexandros Athanasoulas, President & CEO of STIRIXIS Group, stated: “This new European distinction represents a significant validation of our strategic approach to design and of the excellent collaboration with our clients and our team. At STIRIXIS Group, we believe that the physical space is a driver of growth and long-term value creation, and it must always be based on a clear strategy with measurable investment performance indicators. We are proud that a project such as the Village Cinemas is recognized by the leading organization of the International Property Awards at a European level for its innovation and impact, while its nomination among the top three projects worldwide in its category is also an undeniable achievement”.
Damianos Mpourkas, CEO of Village Roadshow Operations Hellas, commented: “At Village Cinemas, we believe that cinema is much more than a film on the big screen; it is a complete experience that begins the moment a visitor crosses our threshold. The renovation of the foyer at Village Cinemas at The Mall Athens, in collaboration with STIRIXIS, is a characteristic example of this philosophy. The international recognition of the project fills us with pride and confirms that our strategic choice to always deliver premium experiences to our audience is yielding results.”
At HUB Lighting & Innovation, we often explore similar principles through real-world examples and educational initiatives. Contemporary lighting design is not only about technology but about understanding human perception, spatial storytelling, and the strategic role of light in shaping experiences. The Village Cinemas project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting integration can strengthen brand identity, improve spatial functionality, and transform a commercial venue into a destination. For architects and designers, it serves as a valuable case study of how lighting can elevate entertainment architecture from infrastructure to experience.
Ultimately, architectural lighting has the power to define how spaces are felt and remembered. And in environments dedicated to imagination, such as the Village cinemas, that power becomes even more meaningful.
