Play with Space: A Hands-On Exploration of Design Through the Senses

How do we experience space, and how does that experience shape design? This co‑creation workshop at the Steelcase Munich Learning + Innovation Center invites participants to actively reimagine space.

Play with Space is a co‑creation workshop that brings participants together to explore how space is experienced through the senses. Working in designer-led groups, participants evolve a real environment by experimenting with objects, lighting, and atmosphere. Beginning at the micro level of human experience, the workshop explores how sensory cues scale into macro spatial effects to shape behavior and interactions. The workshop is guided by Penghao Shan (Steelcase) and Christiane Bausback (N+P Innovation Design), drawing on the design philosophies of both organizations. Incorporating examples from the world of work and the transportation industry, the session encourages playful, hands‑on exploration. Different activities, environments, and sensory experiences are explored as prototypes and tools for learning and dialogue.

The workshop concludes with a presentation and discussion, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on designing environments through experience.

Register here to Play with Space!
May 5th, 2026, 12pm – 5pm at the Steelcase Munich LINC
This session will be held in English.

Following the workshop, participants are invited to join our panel "Space to Play – Design Principles for Innovation," hosted by S+W and Steelcase, starting at 5pm.
The day concludes with networking, appetizers, and drinks.

Additional hosts and facilitators: Elena de Kan & Florian Schulz (Steelcase) and Simon Diepold & Sebastian Viering (N+P Innovation Design)