Where Manufacturing meets Human Touch, Steelcase Redefines How Work Can Be

In March 2025, Intralox, a global leader in conveyance solutions, moved into its new regional headquarters in Shanghai, China. Designed and furnished in collaboration with Steelcase, the space is more than an office upgrade. It represents a new way of working that brings people closer, helps ideas move faster and transforms everyday work into something more connected, human and meaningful.

From Distance to Connection:  Designing for How People Really Work 

“Our new office is not just a change of space, but a place where innovation and collaboration truly happen.”

JudeGeneral Manager, Intralox China

For years, teams were spread across different locations in Shanghai, and the distance made collaboration harder than it needed to be. Simple discussions required planning instead of happening naturally, slowing decision-making and progress.

Bringing everyone under one roof changed that. Teams can now easily connect, exchange ideas in real time, and solve problems together. Spontaneous conversations, once difficult to orchestrate, are now part of daily work. Communication flows more freely, alignment happens faster, and collaboration feels effortless rather than forced.

The “Golden Corner”: Where Ideas Gather and Grow

“The sunlit ‘Golden Corner’ has become the starting point for teamwork and problem-solving.”

Lai-HarAPAC Head of People & Culture

One of the most loved spaces in the new office is the “Golden Corner”, a bright, informal area where project teams can gather to brainstorm, create and move work forward. Unlike traditional meeting rooms that require booking and have time limits, this space allows ideas and execution happen in one uninterrupted flow.

To create an environment that supports both collaboration and focus, the Steelcase design team studied Intralox’s work styles, communication habits, and project rhythms. Through interviews, observations and workshops, they uncovered what the teams truly needed from their workplace.

Using these insights, Steelcase designed a flexible and modular setting with movable elements and reconfigurable furniture that balances privacy with collaboration. The “Golden Corner” holds project materials and work in progress, so thinking can continue where it left off. It acts as a physical project memory, where ideas accumulate, evolve and build over time instead of being erased at the end of each meeting.

The “Golden Corner” is not only high functioning, but also warm and inviting. It has become the heart of the workplace where people want to stay, interact, and co-create.

Designed for People: Flexible Zones that Feel Warm and Human

“My biggest impression of the new office is confidence—it gives us more space to collaborate and communicate.”

AnonymousEngineering employee

“With reorganized production flows and a cleaner, more open layout, work feels less repetitive and more enjoyable.”

AnonymousProduction employee

“My first impression was warmth, openness, and approachability. It makes conversations easier and collaboration more natural.”

AnonymousFacilities employee

Steelcase’s human-centered design philosophy is woven into every part of the new Intralox office. From social hubs to focused work areas, from the “Golden Corner” to quiet zones, the space supports different modes of work while fostering real human connection. The result is a workplace where teams can gather naturally, communicate effortlessly, and feel supported by an environment designed around how work actually happens.

“Working with Steelcase has been more than a space-building process — it’s been a meeting of shared values. They cared about who we are and how we work. From early concepts to move-in and ongoing optimization, they have been true partners in thinking about the future of our work.”

Lai-HarAPAC Head of People & Culture

After years of operating across multiple locations, moving into a single, integrated building marks a significant milestone for Intralox. For Steelcase, this project was never just about building a workspace. It was about helping Intralox express who they are through their space.

When a workplace reflects a company’s values and carries the warmth of human connection, people collaborate more naturally. They feel more supported. They bring more of themselves to their work.

That’s where real innovation begins.