Munich, April 30 2025

• May 10 to 18, 2025 | 14th edition of munich creative business week
• mcbw’s own formats: design summit, mcbw hub, and events in public spaces
• Top themes under the new motto How to design a vibrant community
• Full program is online now
• mcbw design summit on May 12, 2025

The time has come - munich creative business week 2025 starts on May 10, 2025. We cordially invite you to the mcbw press conference in the X-D-E-P-O-T of Die Neue Sammlung.

Press conference: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
X-D-E-P-O-T at Neue Sammlung, Pinakothek der Moderne,
Barer Straße 40, 80333 Munich
Please register at: pressoffice @ mcbw.de

Dr. Sabine Jarothe (Head of Office at the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy) and Dr. Christian Scharf (Economic Advisor to the City of Munich) will welcome you to the press conference. Nadine Vicentini (Managing Director bayern design) and Thorsten Buch (Head of mcbw) will present mcbw 2025 with this year's motto, the mcbw design summit, the initiatives in the public space and the varied program. Ten program partners will provide insights into selected highlights in short presentations: ABB Robotics, Designblok Prague, DIVE´25, Fraunhofer Network “Science, Art and Design”, HFG Offenbach School of Design, IUD Institute for Universal Design, KMS Team, Mars GmbH, MUNICH FASHION AWARD 2025, Werkbund Bayern. At the end of the press conference, mcbw invites you to a picnic at the large table of the “Take a seat” installation on the south lawn of the Alte Pinakothek in good weather, or in the cafeteria of the Pinakothek der Moderne in case of rain.

Organized by bayern design, this year’s munich creative business week (mcbw) will follow the motto How to design a vibrant community. mcbw is the largest design event in Germany and a platform for new ideas, trends, and creativity. After all, the challenges of our modern world can only be overcome if we work with and for each other. What does it take? Openness and curiosity, communication and collaboration, humanity and a sense of community. From May 10 to 18, 2025, mcbw, together with its numerous program partners, will offer an interactive program in the heart of Munich, aiming to inform and spark conversation. Active participation is highly encouraged!

With approximately 200 installations and events in public spaces, exhibitions, talks, creative workshops, and a diversified bandwidth of activities offered at the festival hub, the program will be deliberately participatory to involve design and architecture professionals and the public. The wide range of formats – from academic to playful interpretations of the annual theme – invites participants to engage, exchange ideas, explore, and get to know one another.

mcbw hub
The heart of the festival and its main information point is the mcbw hub at Rindermarkt. Located in the middle of Munich’s historic city center, mcbw will take over the retail space at Ruffinihaus. Starting May 6, it will function as an information center, and from May 10 onwards, it will host a diverse program for children and adults alike. Everyone curious is invited to take part in shared experiences and help create a vibrant community.

More public-facing formats can be discovered May 10 through 18 at Königsplatz, at FÜNF HÖFE, on the lawn behind Alte Pinakothek, and at Viktualienmarkt.

mcbw pop up x Designblok Prague
Designblok Cosmos lands in Munich in a futuristic metal capsule. This unique exhibition, which brings together ten original glass works by ten of the best contemporary Czech designers, offers an immersive audiovisual show set against the backdrop of cosmic infinity. By experimenting with glass - a material with a long tradition in the Czech lands - the exhibited objects showcase unparalleled design approaches and fine craftsmanship and know-how, while also showcasing the various technologies and cutting-edge production methods currently used in Czech factories and workshops. The interior, designed by Czech Grand Design Prize winner Jan Plecháč, is covered with 170 mirrors and the exterior of the capsule is wrapped in a reflective silver shell.

The organizer Designblok, Prague International Design Festival and the Czech Center Munich cordially invite media representatives to a VIP tour & drinks reception on 13 May 2025 at 5 pm at the Designblok Cosmos at Königsplatz (Luisenstraße 31, 80333 Munich). Prerequisite for participation is registration by May 5, 2025 via rsvp @ designblok.cz

mcbw pop up x Collective Paper Aesthetics x KURZ
Hundreds of heart-shaped folded cardboard modules will come together to form a unique, interactive artwork in the heart of FÜNF HÖFE, created in collaboration with the public and Dutch designer Noa Haim. Noa Haim and her studio Collective Paper Aesthetics are internationally known for their interactive 3D paper pop-up sculptures that continually evolve and transform through audience participation. With playful ease, the team blends architecture, furniture design, practical techniques, STEM-based math elements, and universal design to devise a distinctive participatory experience perfectly aligned with this year’s mcbw theme. The studio has collaborated previously with institutions such as MUDAM Luxembourg, the National Gallery Singapore, ICA Miami, and Dutch Design Week Eindhoven. For mcbw 2025, a special alliance with LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung has been established: the modules used at FÜNF HÖFE will feature specially enhanced finishes. The installation is being realized with the kind support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

mcbw public space x Sintesi Labs
Take a seat is the title of the custom-designed installation that will be located on the southern lawn at Alte Pinakothek – and it is meant to be taken literally. A dining table measuring approximately 23 meters including benches will be a place to sit down, share stories, and forge relationships. Conversation starters in the form of games and texts will be provided on the tabletop. In the evenings, a neon sign with alternating texts visible even from a distance will entice the curious to take a closer look. 
However, the main attraction will be the lighting at the table, which will not turn on until at least two people take a seat, facing each other – interaction is the name of the game. In addition, the uninterrupted rows of seats will break down barriers and strengthen communal spirit. Thus, the installation will be much more than a mere piece of furniture: It will offer a space for people to feel welcome and an open invitation to everyone to join in on this experience. A creative type of speed dating and other activities on site will complement this piece developed by the Sintesi Labs Design agency of Munich.

mcbw pop up x MA Identity Design (THA)
A vibrant and resilient society needs a positive outlook for the future. But what if consensus cannot be reached as to which ideas to follow? A strategy involving many small steps may help. The installation titled wishing well created by students of the Identity Design master program at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences will transform the transparent mcbw pop-up container at Viktualienmarkt into a collection point for individual wishes for the future made by passers-by while tossing coins into this digital wishing well. The thoughts will take shape in the well and on the ceiling of the container. The sum of these small glimmers of hope will be a picture of joint confidence that can be seen from afar.

mcbw design summit | May 12, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Munich Urban Colab, Freddie-Mercury-Str. 5, 80797 Munich
Tickets can be purchased here.
The mcbw design summit on May 12 at Munich Urban Colab is an international B2B conference addressing the annual mcbw theme from a variety of perspectives. The first item on the agenda will be a panel of representatives from European design centers, moderated by Christina Melander, Director of the Danish Design Center and President of the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA).

The discussion will be followed by six brief presentations selected through the public call for papers. The presenters are as follows: Igor Brncic of Oliv Architekten; Thorsten Habermann-Muhsal of prettygoodideas; Regina Hanke, professor of communication design, founder of LEILA, secretary of BEDA, and health design professional; Thomas Mandl, Nila Rezaei, Christopher Krainer, and Chu Yie Voung; and Oliver Ristau of IBM. Of the approximately 80 entries, 11% came from outside of Germany; 40% were submitted by individuals, 31% by design agencies, and 15% each by companies, institutions, design weeks, and universities – mcbw provides the community with a voice.

The organizers decided against making mcbw design summit the responsibility of one single mcbw Creative Explorer. Instead, a panel of six top-caliber keynote speakers will discuss three thematic focal points. Together, they will sound out in what way design can contribute to a dynamic, vibrant, and democratic society. 

• SHAPING TOGETHERNESS
  design makes people cooperate
  Design is a process that never follows a straight line – it zigs and zags, moves up and down, back and forth. By breaking down boundaries and crossing borders, it becomes a force for integration.
  Speakers: Ezio Manzini, President of DESIS Network, and Carsten Waldeck, co-founder of Shift | Moderator: Anna Wörner
   
• INSPIRING EMPATHY
  design points out the human factor
  In an increasingly technologized world, we must find a way to preserve the human element. While artificial intelligence can support decision-making, emotional intelligence remains essential. Participants will explore how technology can help unleash creative potential and foster empathic relationships.
  Speakers: Kim Dabbs, Global Vice President of ESG and Social Innovation at Steelcase, and Alona Kharchenko, co-founder of CTO Devanthro | Moderator: Francesca Terzi
   
• OPENING MINDS
  design awakens curiosity
  Design challenges the status quo and finds and opens doors where none existed before. By creating playful, unexpected connections, design deepens understanding – not only because it is inherently curious, but because it awakens people’s curiosity.
  Speakers: Ana Relvão, co-founder of Relvãokellermann, and Tim Brown, chair of IDEO | Moderator: Leonhard Nima

Event highlights at mcbw 2025 hosted by program partners
New program partners hosting their own events this year include ABB Robotics, allmannwappner, Deutscher Designtag, Etcorporate, Lab Campus, Politide, Roland Berger, the MA Identity Design program at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences Department of Design, and World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.
There have been some developments on the side of mcbw partners and sponsors as well: Frontify, Kurz, and Mars have joined BMW, Steelcase, and Ströer as sponsors. 

We would be delighted if you shared information on mcbw or highlights of the program. If you would like more information or are interested in interviews or filming opportunities, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to arrange appointments.
 

About mcbw
mcbw is organized by bayern design GmbH and sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, and the City of Munich. BMW Group, Frontify, Kurz, Mars, Steelcase, and Ströer provide essential support as partners. Images are available in the Press Section. mcbw also can be found on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 

Munich, April 9 2025

Selected top themes for trade visitors and the design-interested public.
Installations and events in public spaces, exhibitions, talks, creative 
workshops and much more under the annual motto “How to design a vibrant community”.

• ABB Robotics | Empathy through design: The human being in the focus of robotics design | Workshop / coaching session
• BMW Group Design x Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum | New Modes VI „Me in a bigger We“ | Panel discussion
• der Freitag | How the weekly newspaper “der Freitag” makes a brand | Talk
• Deutscher Designtag | DIVE'25 | Conference
• Etcorporate | Oceans of Minds | Interaction
• Fraunhofer-Netzwerk | Fraunhofer presents: “Human AI” - Empathic Human-AI Interaction | Exhibition
• Holzrausch GmbH | Kitchen Stories | Talk
• IUD Institut für Universal Design | Universal Design Award | Exhibition of the winners + audience award | Exhibition
• MAGAZIN® | The raawii story | Talk
• mcbw pop up x Collective Paper Aesthetics x KURZ | Installation
• mcbw pop up x Designblok Prague | Installation
• mcbw pop up x MA Identity Design (THA) | Installation
• mcbw public space x Sintesi Labs | Take a Seat! | Installation
• Schnitzer& | Atlas of the Common | Exhibition

ABB Robotics | Empathy by Design: Focusing on Humans in the Design of Robotics | Workshop / Coaching Session
May 14, 09:30 am - 12:00 pm | 1000 Satellites, Theresienhöhe 12, 80339 Munich

The progress of AI and automation is not only about efficiency, but also about keeping human values in focus. How can robotics be designed to improve collaboration, trust and usability? One presentation is dedicated to the role of design in industrial innovation. It will highlight ABB Robotics' UX strategy and how it improves user interaction, safety and efficiency in robotics. Participants will gain insights into how UX design principles are shaping the future of human-robot collaboration and ensuring that technology serves humans rather than replacing them.

This will be followed by a workshop with a cobot. Participants will experience how intuitive interfaces and user-oriented design can support operation, optimize workflows and increase safety. Under guidance, it will be shown how empathetic design decisions lead to better usability, accessibility and acceptance of automation in the industrial environment.

BMW Group Design x Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum | New Modes VI | Me in a bigger We | Panel Discussion
May 18, 11 am - 12 pm | Admission from 10.30 am | X-D-E-P-O-T, Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich

In the talk series ‘New Modes’, BMW Group Design X Die Neue Sammlung - The Design Museum explore the unifying quality of design.  In an increasingly connected world, the interplay between the individual and the collective is crucial. We have to come to terms with new boundaries and reposition ourselves in the world. Design remains the best ambassador for transformation. In the sixth talk “New Modes VI / Me in a bigger We”, artist Morag Myerscough, Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi, sociologist at LMU Munich and color and material designer Claudia Fräßdorf.

der Freitag | How the weekly newspaper “der Freitag” makes a brand | Talk 
May 13, 6:30-7:30 pm | landN Netzwerkhaus, Landwehrstraße 61, 80336 Munich

It's a good thing that the editorial team and publisher had already jointly defined a clear brand positioning for the weekly newspaper “der Freitag”: “Stage of progressive positions” - a sharp image of the future that now provides orientation for all content and strategic decisions in the company. This brand profile passed its first major test during the conception and implementation of the new digital offering. In September 2024, freitag.de was launched on this basis with a new look and completely new curation options. At mcbw, brand experts Lucas von Gwinner and Dr. Stefan Sippell (Make Studio), together with Benjamin Knödler, Product Owner Digital at “der Freitag”, will report on the development of the brand profile and website, with all the sprints, long distances and forks in the road.

Deutscher Designtag | DIVE'25 | Conference
May 8 to 10, 10 am - 1 pm | Fat Cat, Rosenheimer Straße 5, 81667 Munich

Visionary minds and exciting impulses at the interface of design, politics, business and science - that is DIVE'25 | Bundeskongress Design, which takes place in the extended framework of mcbw. The focus is on dialog - in front of, on and behind the stage. The conference sees itself as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, networking and the joint development of new projects. Design promotes transformation. It is a creative force and scope for change, a visualization and translation tool, a source of solutions and food, inspiration and methodology. The name stands not only for deep immersion in design topics, but also as an acronym for Designing Impact, Value and Evolution or Designing Innovation, Visions and Economy, for example. 
Register Now!

Etcorporate | Ocean of Minds | Interaction
10 - 18 May, 12 - 7 pm | Thomas Schmitter Rooms and Furniture, Theresienstr. 112, Munich | Access via the backyard, Steinickeweg

The ocean symbolizes a diverse society that can only thrive in balance. Together, visitors to Thomas Schmitter's workshop spaces can draw ideas from this ocean to create a community worth living in. Everything you need to take up a suggested topic or choose your own aspect and implement it creatively and spontaneously is available on site: Pens, paper, stencils, stickers and many other materials. Whether abstract or concrete, in words, pictures or symbols - anything is possible! Together, the creative contributions form the “Ocean of Minds” installation, a floating mobile that becomes denser and more complex with each new work.

Fraunhofer Network | Fraunhofer presents: “Human AI” - Empathic Human-AI Interaction | Exhibition
May 13 - 18, 9 am - 5 pm | Science Communication Lab at Deutsches Museum, Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich | Please note: Access to the Science Communication Lab is via the Cornelius Bridge.

“Human AI” enables a direct, interactive engagement with AI. As part of the “Designer in Lab” funding program of the Fraunhofer Network “Science, Art and Design”, digital designers Jan Scheffel and Felicitas Ferch developed an interactive installation in collaboration with the Human Centered Innovations group of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, IIS, which makes emotions visible in conversation with an AI. As soon as a stone in the installation is lifted, a dialogue begins with the AI, which is analyzed in real time and digitally visualized by AI. The project opens up a new, intuitive way of engaging with the topic of AI for both participants and researchers by exploring emotional reactions and making them tangible in three dimensions. The installation makes the limits of AI visible and invites people to understand it for what it is: a tool that is shaped by human interaction.

Holzrausch GmbH | KITCHEN STORIES | Talk
May 16, 5:30 pm - midnight | J*Gast Showroom, Blumenstr. 17, 80331 Munich

J*GAST invites you to an open evening in their showroom, where the focus is on conversation, exchange and atmosphere. In four of our kitchens, different talks will take place in parallel - each with its own theme and character. Ana Relvão, one of the top speakers at this year's mcbw design summit, will also be taking part. With her office Relvãokellermann, she works in a variety of areas of industrial design, including for Samsung Electronics, LIGRE, Auerberg, Bulthaup, COR, Holzrausch and Huawei. Just like at home, where the best conversations often take place in the kitchen, this event follows the idea of being able to focus on the topic that particularly appeals. Whether it's culture, indulgence, craft or music, each kitchen offers its own focus, tone and round of voices to participate in. All conversations are organized by different speakers and take place simultaneously. Guests decide for themselves which exchange they would like to join. And just as every good party ends in the kitchen, this evening also culminates in music and drinks. With: Mike Meiré, Oliver Jahn, Ana Relvão, Jan Heinzelmann, Angelika Nollert, Guido Walter and Susan Ann MacKenzie.

IUD Institute for Universal Design | Universal Design Award | Exhibition of Award Winners | mcbw Audience Award
May 10-13, 11 am - 8 pm | Oskar von Miller Forum, Oskar-von-Miller Ring 25, 80333 Munich

The award-winning submissions impressively demonstrate how universal design promotes access, self-determination and participation. See - experience - understand universal design. For 15 years now, the Universal Design Award has been presented to designers, architects, students, universities, research institutions and schools whose products, services and architecture are characterized by their cross-generational, broad, simple and intuitive usability and thus create access, self-determination and participation. In September 2024, the expert jury and the approximately 500 participants in the consumer jury made their decisions and presented the awards. The exhibition presents the 31 award-winning submissions and brings the philosophy of Universal Design to life.

Universal Design Award - Voting mcbw Audience Award | May 10, 11 am - 2 pm
At the opening of the exhibition, Oliver Herwig will speak on "Demography, Democracy and Design. Design as social glue". Afterwards, visitors will have the opportunity to view all the award-winning submissions on guided tours or individually in order to cast their own vote for the “mcbw Audience Award”. The award ceremony will take place at around 1.30 pm.

Barbie™ x HEWI: Two Icons - One Vision | Design with Limitless Possibilities | May 10 - 13 11 am - 8 pm
The new Barbie x HEWI sanitary collection combines timeless Bauhaus design principles with Barbie's iconic color palette to create a series that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. It not only sets new design standards in the bathroom, but also embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration and appreciation for the uniqueness of every person.

MAGAZIN® | The raawii story | Talk 
Exhibition: May 12 - 18 | Talk: May 15, 7:30 pm, admission from 6:30 pm | FÜNF HÖFE, MAGAZIN Munich, Kardinal-Faulhaber-Str. 11, 80333 Munich

The raawii story MAGAZIN sets the stage for the new ARBA LOUNGE armchair by Erwan Bourroullec in collaboration with raawii: exhibition and panel talk with Copenhagen entrepreneurs Bo Raahauge and Nicolai Wiig-Hansen about the young Danish label. How do the Danes do it? The small country produces more original designs than almost any other. The latest example: raawii and its new ARBA LOUNGE armchair. The company offers designers space for their creative processes and combines geometric shapes and strong colors to create artifacts for everyday use. raawii and MAGAZIN, founded in Stuttgart, share a passion for well-designed, original products with high utility value and identity. It is therefore no coincidence that MAGAZIN and raawii are presenting the armchair together at mcbw: with an exhibition of raawii products and a panel talk that tells the story behind the young company and its path to becoming a brand.

mcbw pop up x Collective Paper Aesthetics x KURZ | Installation 
daily 10 am - 7 pm | FÜNF HÖFE, Theatinerstraße 15, 80333 Munich

Together with the public and Dutch designer Noa Haim, hundreds of heart-shaped, folded cardboard modules will be used to create a unique, interactive work of art in the heart of the FÜNF HÖFE. Noa Haim and her studio Collective Paper Aesthetics are known worldwide for interactive 3D paper pop-up sculptures that constantly grow and change with the audience. With playful ease, they combine architecture, furniture design, practical techniques, mathematical STEM aspects and universal design - creating a unique, participatory experience in line with this year's mcbw theme. International institutions such as MUDAM Luxembourg, National Gallery Singapore, ICA Miami and Dutch Design Week Eindhoven have already collaborated with the studio. A special collaboration with the LEONHARD KURZ Foundation is being created for mcbw 2025: the modules that will be used in the FÜNF HÖFE will be refined in an unusual way.The installation is being realized with the kind support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

mcbw pop up x Designblok Prague | Installation
Sat + Sun, 10 am – 8 pm, Mon – Fri, 12 pm – 8 pm | Luisenstraße 31, 80333 Munich

Designblok Cosmos lands in Munich in a futuristic metal capsule. This unique exhibition, which brings together ten original glass works by ten of the best contemporary Czech designers, offers an immersive audiovisual show set against the backdrop of cosmic infinity. By experimenting with glass - a material with a long tradition in the Czech lands - the exhibited objects showcase unparalleled design approaches and fine craftsmanship and know-how, while also showcasing the various technologies and cutting-edge production methods currently used in Czech factories and workshops. The interior, designed by Czech Grand Design Prize winner Jan Plecháč, is covered with 170 mirrors and the exterior of the capsule is wrapped in a reflective silver shell.

mcbw pop up x MA Identity Design (THA) | wishing well | Installation
May 10 - 18, 11 am - 6 pm | Am Pschorr, Viktualienmarkt 15, 80331 Munich

A vibrant and resilient society needs positive images of the future. But what if no consensus can be reached on which idea of the future we want to follow? Then perhaps only a strategy of many small steps will help. With the “wishing well” installation from the Master's degree course in Identity Design 
(TH Augsburg), the transparent mcbw pop-up container at Viktualienmarkt becomes a collection point for individual wishes for the future, which passers-by can call to mind by throwing coins into the interactive wishing well. These thoughts take shape there and on the ceiling of the container. The sum of the small rays of hope is a reason for shared confidence that can be seen from afar.

mcbw public space x Sintesi Labs | Take a Seat! | Installation
accessible at all times | Südwiese der Alten Pinakothek | Gabelsbergerstraße, Munich

“Take a seat” is the title of the installation specially designed for mcbw on the south lawn of the Alte Pinakothek and this is to be taken quite literally. An almost 23-meter-long dining table with benches invites you to take a seat, exchange stories and build relationships. Food for thought for conversation can be found on the tabletops in the form of games and texts. In the evening, a neon sign visible from afar with changing texts attracts the curious. 
The highlight, however, is the table lighting, which only switches on when at least two people are sitting opposite each other. Interaction is the key here. In addition, the uninterrupted rows of seats break down barriers and strengthen the feeling of togetherness. The installation is therefore far more than just a piece of furniture. Rather, it creates a place where people feel welcome and extends an open invitation to everyone to take part in the shared experience. Creative speed dating and other activities on site complement the work of the Munich agency Sintesi Labs Design.

Schnitzer& GmbH | Atlas of the Common | Exhibition
April 29 - May 27, 2025, Mon - Thu 10 am - 5 pm, Fri 10 am - 3 pm | Schnitzer& Studio, Lindwurmstraße 95a, 80337 Munich

The exhibition at Schnitzer& Studio shows over 40 projects that make a special contribution to communal life, work and cultural and social processes. How does community action contribute to social life? This is the central question of the exhibition “Atlas of the Common”. On the occasion of the German Werkbund Day 2023, the Deutscher Werkbund Bayern e.V. has initiated a compendium of collaborative projects that is continuously being expanded.

_{^{Munich, February 6 2025}}

• May 10 to 18, 2025 | 14^th edition of munich creative business week
• New motto: How to design a vibrant community
• Save the date: Press conference on May 7, 2025, 11 am
  Steelcase, Brienner Straße 42, 80333 München
• Save the date: mcbw design summit on May 12, 2025

Organized by bayern design, munich creative business week (mcbw) is the largest design event in Germany and will take place for the 14^thtime from May 10 to 18, 2025. The participation-forward program will be geared towards experts and the general public alike. How to design a vibrant community will be the motto of mcbw 2025 to address some of the most pressing questions of our time: How can society and democracy be shaped and transformed into a true experience? How can design contribute to fostering a sense of community and bringing about positive social change? What types of offerings ensure ongoing lively exchange and dialog? 

With installations and events in public spaces, creative workshops, and a diversified program offered at the festival hub, this year’s mcbw will take these questions and potential answers right into the heart of the city and society. Logically, the organizers decided against making mcbw design summit, the contextual lead event, the responsibility of one single mcbw Creative Explorer. Instead, a panel of six top-caliber Creative Explorers will share their perspectives, prompting involvement and discussions. The panel will include Tim Brown, Kim Dabbs, Alona Kharachenko, Ezio Manzini, Ana Relvão, and Carsten Waldeck. In addition, a nationwide call for papers has been launched to add voices to the vibrant community at mcbw design summit. The overwhelming response to this call has proven the organizer and its approach right – an additional six speakers will be selected from the close to 80 entries received from within Germany and abroad.

From May 10 to 18, 2025, mcbw and its numerous program partners will offer an interactive program in the heart of the city, present new ideas and trends, and kindle discussions among attendees – participation is always welcome!

mcbw public space x Sintesi Labs
Take a seat is the title of an installation designed especially for mcbw that will be set up on the south lawn at Alte Pinakothek. The title is meant to be taken literally: A dining table measuring approximately 23 metres including benches will be a place to sit down, share stories, and forge relationships. Stimuli for discussions in the form of games and texts will be provided on the tabletop. In the evenings, a neon sign with alternating texts visible even from a distance will entice the curious to take a closer look. However, the main attraction will be the lighting at the table, which will not turn on until at least two people take a seat, facing each other – interaction is the name of the game. In addition, the uninterrupted rows of seats will break down barriers and strengthen communal spirit. Thus, the installation will be much more than a mere piece of furniture: It will offer a space for people to feel welcome and an open invitation to everyone to join in on this experience. A creative type of speed dating and other activities on site will complement this piece developed by the Sintesi Labs Design agency of Munich.

mcbw pop up x MA Identity Design
A vibrant and resilient society needs a positive outlook for the future. But what if consensus cannot be reached as to which ideas to follow? A strategy involving many small steps may help. The wishing well installation created by students of the Identity Design master program at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences will transform the transparent mcbw pop-up container at Viktualienmarkt into a collection point for individual wishes for the future made by passers-by while tossing coins into this digital wishing well. The thoughts will take shape in the well and on the ceiling of the container. The sum of these small glimmers of hope will be a picture of joint confidence that can be seen from afar.

mcbw design summit
On May 12, 2025, mcbw will hold its contextual lead event, design summit, at Munich Urban Colab for one whole day. In pairs, the speakers of international renown each will discuss one focal theme as mcbw Creative Explorers. Together, they will sound out design’s potential contribution to a dynamic, vibrant, and democratic society.

1 Shaping Togetherness: design makes people cooperate

Ezio Manzini
As president of DESIS, an international network of design labs and experts, Ezio Manzini is a leading voice in the field of sustainable design. DESIS is committed to fostering social innovations and sustainable solutions through collaborative design on a global scale. Manzini’s work is exemplary in using design as a tool for collaborative creation and social innovation.

“In the transformation towards an ecological and more just society, a vibrant community is a group of people who work cooperatively and connect the planet’s long-term perspectives with the short-term perspectives in the here and now.” (Ezio Manzini)

Carsten Waldeck
Together with his company SHIFT, designer, philosopher, and inventor Carsten Waldeck will collect the 2025 German Sustainability Award in not one but two categories: in the Companies category for their developments in consumer electronics, and in the Products category for their new SHIFTphone8. Also, Waldeck’s engagement in his home region in the state of Hesse is proof of how designers and entrepreneurs can strengthen communities. 

Waldeck’s Motto: “Do as much good as possible while causing the least amount of damage possible.”

2 Inspiring Empathy: design points out the human factor

Kim Dabbs
Internationally acclaimed speaker and author of the book You Belong Here, Kim Dabbs, born in Korea and adopted by parents from the United States, shows how empathy and overcoming barriers can help us find our place in society, where we feel secure and appreciated. Her unique biography has forged her passion for advancing integration and understanding.

Alona Kharchenko
Alona Kharchenko is a co-founder and CTO of Devanthro, a Munich-based deep-tech start-up that uses humanoid robotics to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of an aging society. In 2024, Devanthro was the first enterprise worldwide to deploy humanoid robots in private homes. Results of preliminary tests showed that close ties developed among the caretakers working remotely, their clients, and the robots – not least thanks to design.

“Empathy in design works on multiple levels – culturally, socially, and among people. Robotics making their way into our daily lives has created new liaisons and trust through shared physical encounters. Therefore, it is imperative that we see empathy not only as a step in the design process but also as a relationship practice that develops through interaction.” (Alona Kharchenko)

3 Opening Minds: design awakens curiosity

Ana Relvão

Ana Relvão focuses her work on gearing design towards society’s requirements. She demonstrates how design excites curiosity and helps create vibrant communities that innovate. One example is the J*GAST kitchen showroom located at Munich’s Blumenstraße: Rather than emphasizing authored design, it was developed collaboratively – a concept made possible only through manifold perspectives.

“By challenging perceptions and championing explorations, we can open our mind to new possibilities. In this, designers are uniquely skilled to transform curiosity and the habitual into something extraordinary. Empathetic curiosity may turn out to be one of our strongest talents to create vibrant communities.” (Ana Relvão)

Tim Brown
Tim Brown, former CEO of IDEO, spearheaded design thinking and showed ways to apply it to overcome complex challenges society is facing and inspire change with a clear focus on people. His vision of collaborative, curiosity-driven design demonstrates how design can contribute to creating vibrant communities and encouraging innovation at diverse levels.

“By nature, design is an activity driven by curiosity. The first step in every creative process is a question and without an interesting question there would not be an interesting design solution.” (Tim Brown)

In the morning, mcbw design summit will be opened contextually by a panel moderated by Christina Melander, Director of the Danish Design Center and President of the BEDA. The ensuing part will consist of six brief presentations selected from the public call for papers. Of the approximately 80 entries, 11% came from outside of Germany; 40% were submitted by individuals, 31% by design agencies, and 15% each by companies, institutions, design weeks, and universities.

Tickets for mcbw design summit are available here.

There have been some developments on the side of mcbw partners and sponsors as well: Frontify, Kurz, and Mars are among the new sponsors, and new program partners that will host their own events this year includeABB Robotics, allmannwappner, Deutscher Designtag, Etcorporate, Lab Campus, Politide, Roland Berger, theIdentity Design master’s program at the Faculty of Design of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, and World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. The mcbw agenda will be published at www.mcbw.de in early April 2025.

About mcbw

The mcbw is organized by bayern design GmbH and sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and the City of Munich. The BMW Group, Frontify, Kurz, Mars, Steelcase and Ströer support the mcbw significantly as partners. Images are available in the press section. The mcbw can also be found on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Munich, June 19, 2024

• May 11 to 19, 2024 | 13^th edition of munich creative business week
• more than 200 events
• close to 190 program partners
• approximately 300 speakers
• mcbw’s own unique formats: Design Summit and festival hub
• inspiring exhibitions, talks, and workshops for professionals and the public interested in design relating to the 2024 motto ,How to co-create with nature'

Nine days of design at its best
Following the motto How to co-create with nature, bayern design organized its 13^th munich creative business week (mcbw). From May 11 to 19, the largest design event in Germany offered an ample program for design professionals and the general public interested in design. Fascinating exhibitions, installations, and debates presented a platform for interdisciplinary dialog on current issues relevant to society to make design tangible in a comprehensive manner.

Turning the city of Munich into one pulsating design festival, the various formats ranging from scientific to playful interpretations of this year's motto provided food for thought and ample opportunity for participants to join in and discuss.

How to co-create with nature – creative explorer
Italian architect and urban planner Stefano Boeri was the second figure of international renown to represent an mcbw motto actively as a creative explorer. In the realm of international architecture, Boeri is seen as a main contributor to the debate on climate change, and his work is exemplary of How to co-create with nature. At the mcbw design summit, Boeri shared crucial input for ideas and presented his vision of future cities connected with nature through rooftop and communal gardens, municipal agriculture, parks, and forests.

mcbw 2024 in figures:
mcbw 2024 was made possible by close to 300 speakers and 190 program partners, more than 200 events including mcbw’s own unique formats and contributions by program partners such as BMW Group, Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Goethe-Institut, Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences, Holzrausch, Moormann, Rosenthal, Steelcase, Technical University of Munich (TUM), and the Chambers of Industry and Trade and Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria. Arno Design, BMW Designworks, Ergosign, Fluid, Futurice, Gensler, Kiska, N+P Innovation Design, Schmidhuber, Star, and many other design agencies enriched the program with their open houses, lectures, and workshops concerning the 2024 motto.

Program highlights – a selection
A large number of outstanding events was held throughout the city as part of mcbw 2024. The locations at Kunstareal included a particularly high concentration of highlights.

Once again, mcbw design summit with top-caliber speakers moderated by Leonhard Nima was held at Munich Urban Colab. Stefano Boeri, Daniela Bohlinger (BMW Group), Laura Kiesewetter (Institute for Computational Design and Construction), Tom Kortbeek (Fillip Studios), and Maurizio Montalti (Sqim, Officina Corpuscoli) discussed innovative approaches to design for making nature the center of attention again.

Several excellent approaches and concrete projects are underway to bring humanity closer to co-creating with nature. The key is not to lose courage, even during lengthy processes. Päivi Tahkokallio from Finland, former president of the Bureau of European Design Associations, recommended spending more time in nature because it takes practical experience to make us realize the efficiency of nature and its role as the co-creator that reaches out to humans.

Urbanity and urban planning were clear focal points of the mcbw program this year. At Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences, Schnitzer& organized a symposium on the use of water in architecture, cities, landscapes, and society. In an exhibition, the TUM Bioregional Design Lab showcased locally sourced bio-based materials used in architecture and design such as acoustic panels made from hops and hemp-based insulation. Crisis vs. Crisis was the topic of this year’s international Architecture Matters conference. Participants discussed current challenges and sought solutions for the building sector of the future.

Strong presence of mcbw in public spaces 
Pop-up containers, interactive installations, mcbw designwalk, and a powerful key visual put their stamp on the city for nine days.

BLACKSPACE's interactive installation titled Turning Point revolved around nature and made the mcbw motto tangible. Representing the world’s endangered forests, a 45-year-old scrub pine was given a stage on the green behind Alte Pinakothek and was stylized iconically. With the help of a crank, the installation was brought to life interactively through rotation, light, and sound.

Other attractions included the two mcbw pop-up containers at Königsplatz and Am Pschorr at Viktualienmarkt. The Feierabendziegel (After-Work Bricks) installation presented by Drees & Sommer Brand Experience and EPEA at Königsplatz challenged the disposal of construction materials remaining after buildings have been demolished. Deconstructed beavertail tiles started a new life at mcbw – in the form of a sculptural installation. Visitors were offered these works of art featuring quotations from renowned artists.

The festival headquarters, mcbw hub, was installed at the heart of the city's old sector; the store at Ruffinihaus at Rindermarkt was turned into an information point and an event location used by Frog Capgemini, Munaco Shotbrewer, and other partners. The square in front of Rindermarkt became the home of Fillip Studios' augmented reality installation titled Arabidopsis Symphony, which afforded individualized auditory and visual experiences. Seating areas enhanced with greenery by City Decks invited passers-by to linger.