Blue Lagoon, in collaboration with DesignMarch, will host a conversation focusing on designing destinations in harmony with nature and locals. The conversation will feature selected experts discussing how design contributes to sustainable development of tourism destinations. Address from Minister of Industries, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson. Sinus Lynge, co-founder and creative director of EFFEKT Architects. Sinus Lynge has managed national and international projects, centered around social coherence and vibrant city life as well as intelligent solutions to energy consumption and sustainability. Gunnar Þór Jóhannsson, professor in the Department of Geography and Tourism at the University of Iceland. Gunnar Þór Jóhannsson has studied destination dynamics, mobilities and placemaking with a focus on the entanglement of nature and culture. Sigurður Þorsteinsson Director of Branding, design and innovation at Blue Lagoon and Magnús Orri Schram, Director of Destination Development at Blue Lagoon will speak about the destination design approach of Blue Lagoon. Panel discussions led by moderator Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, Managing Director of Iceland Tourism Cluster. Several questions will be raised to help draw on the experience gained in recent years of development. Design has been at the heart of Blue Lagoon from the very beginning. This approach has allowed us to continuously learn from each project and apply those insights where needed. At the same time, we’ve used design thinking as a tool to support sustainability, both in relation to communities and the natural environment. The rapid rise of tourism impacts every part of the industry and leaves a lasting impression on each location, highlighting the importance of thinking through design. By bringing this conversation, specifically the effects on local communities and nature, to the forefront we hope to inspire the design community to exchange ideas, share insights, and contribute to preserving knowledge for the future. Join us for networking, food and drinks after the event.