Join us for A Taste of Iceland New York this September, organized by Inspired by Iceland! On September 5 at Scandinavia House, Blue Lagoon Iceland will present a discussion about emergency design and its role during times of seismic activity, held in collaboration with Iceland Design and Architecture and DesignMarch.
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 applied 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.
This event aims to put the dialogue about emergency design on the agenda and share knowledge about the role design can play in uncertain times.
Host: Halla Helgadóttir, managing director of Iceland Design and Architecture
Speakers:
Sigurður Þorsteinsson, Head of Brand, Marketing, Design and Construction at Blue Lagoon.
Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, Owner of s.ap Architects and Lendager in Iceland.
Robert Kirkbride, Ph.D, Parsons School of Design on Creating Design Solutions for Natural Disasters.
ABOUT 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.
ABOUT 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.