Designing with Nature

Emergency design and preventative design

Tumultuous events have greatly influenced Icelandic companies over the past decades. The economic collapse, the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull Volcano eruption, the COVID pandemic, and now seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula have forced Icelanders to repeatedly adapt and adjust. Thanks to the Icelandic can-do attitude, our society has met these challenges with optimism and creative thinking at the forefront.

At Blue Lagoon, design and design thinking have been a cornerstone from the beginning. The company has consistently applied strategic design thinking to learn from each tumultuous event and utilized that knowledge when necessary. At the same time, Blue Lagoon has worked on defining new ways to coexist with nature. The company greatly emphasizes sustainable utilization of natural resources since nature is an indispensable part of all operations. This knowledge and respect translates into a deep need for working with nature and finding ways forward in harmony with nature.

This event aims to put the dialogue about emergency design and strategic design thinking on the agenda and share knowledge about the role design can play in uncertain times.

A seminar and panel discussion followed by mingling and drinks. 

Speakers:

• Sigurður Þorsteinsson, Head of Brand, Marketing, Design and Construction at Blue Lagoon, speaking about designing when conditions are constantly changing.
• Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, owner of s.ap Architects and Lendager in Iceland speaking about her project Lavaforming. 
• Robert Kirkbride, Ph.D and Yvette Chaparro, Assistant Professor of Product and Industrial Design, Parsons School of Design, on Creating Design Solutions for Natural Disasters.

Opening remarks from the Icelandic Minister of Culture and Business, Lilja D. Alfreðsdóttir.

Host: Halla Helgadóttir, Managing Director of Iceland Design and Architecture

Secure your seat here and take part in putting the dialogue about strategic design thinking and emergency design on the agenda and share knowledge about the important role design can play in times of change.

(L to R) Robert Kirkbride, Ph.D, Parsons School of Design, Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, owner of s.ap Architects and Lendager in Iceland, and  Sigurður Þorsteinsson, Head of Brand, Marketing, Design and Construction at Blue Lagoon.

(L to R) Halla Helgadóttir, managing director of Iceland Design and Architecture, Yvette Chaparro, and Lilja D. Alfreðsdóttir, Iceland's Minister of Culture and Business Affairs.

Blue Lagoon Iceland

Founded in 1992, Blue Lagoon Iceland has long been a sustainable destination due to the beneficial powers of its famed geothermal seawater. Nestled in an 800-year-old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark and conveniently located between Reykjavik and Iceland’s international airport, Blue Lagoon Iceland is a sustainability-first company encompassing hotels, restaurants, R&D, renowned skin care lines, and a place for wellbeing. In 2012, the company’s iconic centerpiece – the Blue Lagoon Water – was named one of the “25 Wonders of the World” by National Geographic, propelling the majestic, healing waters into the upper echelons of global travel destinations.

In 2018, the company continued its evolution with the Retreat opening at Blue Lagoon Iceland, the country’s first five-star spa hotel. Included in Time Magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places,” the Retreat features a 62-suite, award-winning luxury hotel; a subterranean spa featuring the signature Blue Lagoon Ritual and in-water massage; a mineral-rich, private lagoon; and two new restaurants, including Moss, a Michelin-stared destination. In 2021, the company introduced its latest luxury product—BL+, a science-driven skincare line.

Blue Lagoon Iceland

DesignMarch

DesignMarch is Iceland's premier design festival, transforming Reykjavík into a vibrant hub of creativity each spring. This annual event showcases a diverse range of design disciplines, from fashion and architecture to graphic design and product innovation. With exhibitions, workshops, and talks led by local and international designers, DesignMarch offers a unique platform for creative professionals to share their ideas and inspire the public. Attendees can immerse themselves in Iceland's rich design culture, explore cutting-edge concepts, and celebrate the ingenuity that drives the design community.

DesignMarch