Steelcase is a research-based design company that specialises in creating optimised workspaces. Today we travelled virtually to Germany for a tour of the Steelcase Munich Showroom. The pandemic has taught us how digital technology can keep us together even from afar. I think this tour is a clear example of how we can still connect with others and participate in events and activities from the comfort of our homes.
The session began with an introduction to the company, their history and their values. As previously highlighted, Steelcase gains an abundance of its design inspiration from research. I can relate to this as my research usually leads my projects. Insight into a building's history, the clients, and the brief help me develop design solutions and create appropriate schemes. Steelcase also talked about their COVID related research completing studies into how people have been working and have preferred during the pandemic to assess the new design principles that need to be adopted post-COVID.
The tour guide then switched her camera so she could begin the trip around the showroom. The tour was very interactive and informative as the guide pointed out different pieces of fittings, furniture and equipment and demonstrated their use. It was evident that Steelcase implemented many interchangeable items to adapt to the user's needs. My favourite example of the companies flexible approach is its movable whiteboards. The whiteboards are stored in a rack and can be easily transferred to different locations, and they also have systems to allow them to be fixed to surfaces such as walls. I wish I would have had this tour when I created my co-working office back in my second year, as it was beneficial and inspired several ideas for creating workspaces. Steelcase provided an abundance of solutions for different working scenarios. The most exciting response was the privacy element on the meeting pod's glazing. Confidential information is usually shared in these meetings. To avoid this information being transmitted, the pods had a mechanism that made digital screens appear blank to people outside the room. As a result, designers didn't need to sacrifice the light, inclusive environment glazed meeting rooms provided. These innovative features made the tour exciting and engaging.
I feel lucky to have had this opportunity, and if I ever visit Munich (in a post-COVID world), I will attempt to visit the showroom in person. Although many restrictions have been imposed that have affected my university experience and learning, I am thankful for the virtual opportunities my tutors have arranged.