What makes us happy? It’s a complex question. In our industry, we know that spaces, shapes, and architecture deeply influence our well-being. A growing community of researchers and designers now argues that the path to well-being is not just paved with function and aesthetics — but also with play, nostalgia, and sensory design. Some exploring this topic includea Robert Schmidt III, Yinka Ilori and Mike Rucker.
We’ve scouted a few playful destinations within (almost) driving distance to visit and draw inspiration from this summer:
Cypern – Amara Hotel, Limassol
An elegant resort blending minimalist architecture with subtle playfulness through light installations, unexpected lounge furniture, and tiered pools.
The Audo, Köpenhamn
A hybrid of hotel, showroom, coworking space, and lounge — where materials collide and colours clash freely. A living design laboratory.
Volkshaus Basel, Schweiz
A restaurant and hotel concept where Herzog & de Meuron have woven subtle playfulness into every detail, from door handles to lighting.
Zoku Amsterdam
Coworking meets boutique hotel — every zone feels like a grown-up play corner for design-minded guests.
Tjeckien – Mama Shelter, Prag
Part of the playful Mama Shelter family: a hotel chain known for turning lobbies, bars, and restaurants into vibrant, relaxed social playgrounds. The Prague edition is no exception — expect graffiti, neon, and witty interior details.
Bikini Berlin, Tyskland
A shopping centre that defies commercial coldness: green terraces, swings in the lobby, and pop-up spaces that constantly evolve.
Spanien – Barceló Torre de Madrid, Madrid
A riot of colour by designer Jaime Hayon. The lobby, bar, and lounge become a maximalist playground of shapes, patterns, and unexpected figures — right at the heart of an otherwise strict hotel environment.
Island – Ion Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir
Designed as a portal into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes — yet indoors you’ll find surprising installations, cocoon-like seating pods, and a bar where lava stone and light create a playful contrast.
Frankrike – Hôtel Molitor, Paris
A classic Parisian bathhouse reimagined as a hotel. The iconic outdoor pool is flanked by street art, pop art, and vibrant colours — a playful hybrid of spa, gallery, and social hub.
Our design perspective:
A playful atmosphere is sparked by colour, shape, and the unexpected — elements that surprise, break the norm, and infuse new energy into a space. Cluster islands of Nomono Compact to create dynamic hubs for teamwork or zones of individual focus, where the softly rounded, sound-absorbing panels form a tranquil sphere amidst the flow. Pair them with Prime — a chair that appears discreet yet surprises with uncompromising comfort, perfect for long conversations or extended tasks.
With Log, you can shape a colourful creative chaos for brainstorming sessions, or configure a calm, Nordic-inspired sofa. The VX Storage System invites playful cabinet steps, clever partitions, or multifunctional lobby landscapes — all easily shaped in the configurator. Parant ties it all together: modules that wrap around corners, frame biophilic areas, or discreetly hide what you’d rather keep out of sight.
Design for workspaces that dare to play — seriously.
With that, we wish you a joyful and playful summer!
