Kiruna in Swedish Lapland and Spaceport Sweden Select IDEAS to Lead the Development of a Space Visitor & Science Center

Kiruna, in Swedish Lapland, together with Spaceport Sweden, are proud to announce the partnering with IDEAS, a world leading media and experience design studio, for the development of a Space Visitor & Science Center in Kiruna, Sweden contributing to a world-class year-round destination.

The tourism industry is one of Sweden’s fastest growing industries where the national objective is to double the industry revenue, jobs and visitors until the year 2020. As part of the project, a feasibility and concept study has now been initiated to develop a world-class attraction in a Space Visitor & Science Center in Kiruna.

“Kiruna is already a destination whose value increases daily. It’s the center of what I would call an “experience nexus” and there are things available that are not possible anywhere else in the world,” commented Bob Allen, Chief Storytelling Officer, IDEAS. “This great wild place is one of the few left and it is quite literally on the top of the world. As it evolves along with the growing industry, Spaceport Sweden will offer not only a gateway for European space tourism, but a singular destination for research and discovery of all kinds. Team IDEAS is honored to have been chosen to explore initial creative concepts and preliminary feasibility planning for this absolutely unique dream.”

IDEAS leads a team of companies that will work together to provide the feasibility and concept study during a three month initial contract. Other team members include: Integrated Insight, Inc.; Exline Design and Architecture; Hurricane Communications and Consulting; and Blackhorse Worldwide. Team IDEAS members have provided a broad range of services in experience design for a long list of clients.

“Building on Kiruna’s heritage, our aim is to establish Europe’s gateway to space and by further capturing the synergies between space, mining, aviation and tourism, we seek to create a center for adventures, education, research and cross-industry collaboration,” says Karin Nilsdotter, CEO Spaceport Sweden. “Team IDEAS forms a cutting edge group of leading and relevant experience. They are ideally suited to design and to develop the market analysis, story, concept and facilities of the Kiruna Space Visitor & Science Center, creating value for our partners and contribute to growth by strengthening the region’s attractiveness.”

Team IDEAS visited Kiruna recently to meet with key stakeholders, learning more about the destination and to further conduct StoryJam?. StoryJam is a process designed by IDEAS to help develop a core narrative to in this case, support the development of a thriving commercial spaceport and visitor’s experience. Over 40 representatives from local to international stakeholders participated in a full day workshop.

For more about Spaceport Sweden visit www.spaceportsweden.com

For more about IDEAS visit www.IDEASorlando.com.