EN DE
SteamSpace Design Concept
[01.02]

SteamSpace Design Concept
The SteamSpace design concept

The SteamSpace design concept visualizes inter- and transdisciplinarity through the logo of a mirrored ligature—the typographic sign representing the fusion of letters. The ligature ‘æ’ (derived from a+e and mirrored here as ‘ea’) symbolizes the connection between different disciplines. This sign refers to infinity ‘∞’ and to the infinite entanglements and interdependencies described in the concept of ‘wicked problems’ (Rittel/Webber 1973).

Originally emerging from manuscript culture, ligatures were used to simplify and accelerate a writing process. In book printing, they served both aesthetic and technical functions. The use of the ligature in the logo and in explanatory graphics emphasizes the aspects of connectivity and entanglement. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables the process of generating (new) knowledge so that a holistic consideration of interrelated dependencies in current issues is fostered. Design (and art) can therefore be understood as a cultural practice of the in-between (Popp 2025).

The materiality and functionality of the spatial elements, modules, and mobile teaching and learning products underscore the agile, modular, and temporary approach. For example, the electric SteamMobil is used as an original and iconic vehicle during pop-up events.

------------------------------------------------------

Popp (2025): Eine Kulturpraxis des Dazwischen. Design im Überall und Nirgendwo. In: Popp, JF., Foken, G. (eds) Design als Kulturpraxis. Würzburger Beiträge zur Designforschung. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-46953-5_2

Rittel/Webber (1973): Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning. In: Policy Sciences, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 155–169. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405730

------------------------------------------------------