Designing experimental places and spaces - a virtual indepth journey
3 March - 14 April 2026
Comprising 10 DEPS founders and curator's narrated experiences in 13 virtual evening sessions of 90 minutes each, on Zoom; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8-9.30pm CET (Ostana/Zurich) time.
This course explores how to envision, plan, design, develop, build, govern, hold and sustain experimental places and spaces. We will examine what differentiates the many existing formats—living labs, real-world labs, bioregional learning or weaving centers, eco-villages, living systems labs, and others - and support in identifying a best-fit for the individual course participant’s visions, imaginations, questions, and plans to experiment in a direction of resilience and regeneration for a more livable personal and societal future.
The learning journey is grounded in firsthand, embodied practice and complemented by systems science. Participants will gain insight into the latest developments in transdisciplinary research, systemic intervention, systemic design, transition and transformation studies, and bioregional weaving. Together, we will reflect on the role these experimental places and spaces play in shaping regenerative futures. A rich community will facilitate further sharing and a mutual design spirit.
After an introductory first session, we will embark on the conceptual framing of the DEPS framework. This allows for a synthesis and red thread for the participants when learning in the following in-depth sharing from different DEPS projects of various lab types, in different settings and cultures, from their founders, visionaries, builders, and holders. The virtual course will conclude with a synthesis session, helping us identify the personal value of embarking on this endeavor.
The virtual sessions will be structured, building upon systems theory, resilience assessment, scale-linking governance, complexity didactics, regenerative practice, inner resilience, and systemic design.
The virtual course will be enriched by the possibility to expand the course and round it up with a physical field trip to some of the foundational DEPS labs, offered later n 2026 for selected alumni of the virtual course part.
The DEPS community of like-minded people will become its own rich group of mutual exchange and potential future projects, hosted as a sub-community in the DRRS network.
Key questions guide our inquiry:
- Why would one engage in DEPS? What is in it for me, for society?
- What are essential facets of design and experimentation in the real world?
- What types of places and space arrangements exist, and how are they differentiated? Do I need to build my own place or what ways exist to experiment, design, and rejoice in a lifestyle of transformative engagement for a more livable world?
- What are design criteria, and how can they be implemented, working toward desirable resilience and in a regenerative mindset?
- What types of experimental research and design activities do these spaces enable?
- How can such initiatives be financed, launched, and managed over time?
- What lessons can we take from practice—both successes and mistakes to avoid, looking at the entire system from envisioning to planning, financing, building, governing, living?
- Which business models and forms of community integration are viable?
- How does engaging in this work affect lifestyle, friends and family, personal growth, and professional development?
For whom?
Are you dreaming of (co)creating a lab, a space or place to experiment in and at? Do you envision to design and prototype interventions and solutions for addressing pressing problems? At DEPS you can meet the makers and doers behind diverse experimental places and spaces – and gain first- hand advice on what works and what doesn't. Access the vibrant global network of the DRRS program, committed to healthier ways of living and working, while contributing to some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Participants from diverse backgrounds gain a rich tapestry of insights into founders' experiences. This diversity not only enriches the experience but also helps to expand personal networks and broaden your understanding of systemic transformation in practice.
DRRS elective for the MAS program?
Yes, counting for 2 ECTS if pre-conditioned MOOC#1 has been finished and if accompanied by a written-graphical report with a potential selection as a DRRS blog publication, plus your personal learning reflection, to be submitted after the course.
Pricing
- Regular rate - €750
- DRRS alumni (CAS MAS ETH) - €580
- MVI associaton members rate - €530* (membership information for 2026 coming up soon)
- Option „pay as you can“ available upon application.
Application to participate
Please apply by 28 Feb 2026 via this form with this information:
– a short statement of your motivation and expectation to joining this course,
– a brief resume of your education and work experience,
– having read this preparatory article: Living Systems Labs.
We recommend taking (at least part of) DRRS MOOC#1/#2 courses prior to this DEPS course for your best learning experience.
Please indicate whether you are a DRRS alumni of the CAS/MAS program, or/and if you intend to become a MVI association member upon signing up for this course.
For questions please email to apply@monviso-institute.org.
DEPS teaser flyer: download pdf here.
