Designing with nature - symposium in New York

Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with Blue Lagoon and Parsons School of Design, hosts a symposium Thursday September 5th about the role of design thinking in emergency design during times of natural uncertainties. Can we design our relationship with nature?

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.

The event takes place in Scandinavian House, Volvo Hall, 58 Park Ave, New York Thursday 5th of September, 4 - 6PM. A seminar and panel discussion followed by mingling and drinks. 

Lilja D. Alfreðsdóttir, minister of culture and business affairs is the honorary guest and host is Halla Helgadóttir, managing director of Iceland Design and Architecture

Speakers:

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

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.

Designing with Nature is part of Taste of Iceland festivities in New York.