We create installations that invite people to step inside an idea. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, encourage participation, and leave a lasting emotional imprint. Whether the goal is brand storytelling, cultural exploration, community engagement, or pure experimentation, we approach every installation as a world in its own right.
Our installations often blend physical build, digital interaction, sound, light, motion, and narrative. We work fluidly across disciplines, choosing the right tools and formats for the idea rather than forcing the idea into a predefined box.
what we mean by experiential installations
This can include:
- Immersive art installations
- Interactive brand environments
- Multi-sensory exhibitions
- Digital-physical hybrid spaces
- Participatory public artworks
- Site-specific installations
-
Technology-driven storytelling spaces
our experiential installations go
beyond traditional exhibitions
or displays.
they are spatial experiences
designed around how people
move, feel, interact, and remember.
beyond traditional exhibitions
or displays.
they are spatial experiences
designed around how people
move, feel, interact, and remember.
Every project starts with a core question:
what should someone
feel when
what should someone
feel when
they step into this space?
from there, we design backwards.
our approach
We begin by defining the central idea. This includes the emotional tone, cultural context, audience behaviour, and the story the space needs to tell. We develop a clear narrative that can live spatially, visually, and experientially.
2. Spatial and experiential design
We design how the experience unfolds across the space. This includes layout, flow, pacing, interaction points, and moments of pause or intensity. We think about how bodies move through space, not just how things look.
3. Build and production
Studio858 handles or oversees the full production process, including fabrication, digital development, sound design, lighting, and installation logistics. We collaborate closely with fabricators, technologists, and venues to ensure precision and durability.
4. Installation and activation
We support on-site installation, testing, and activation. This includes audience interaction testing, live events, launches, and documentation where required.
who experiential installations are for
We work with:
- Brands looking to create memorable, culturally relevant moments
- Cultural institutions and galleries
- Festivals and public programmes
- Technology companies exploring new forms of storytelling
- Fashion, music, sport, and travel brands seeking deeper engagement
- Developers and venues activating physical space
-
Organisations exploring community-led or educational experiences
our work scales from
temporary pop-ups to
permanent or
touring installations.
temporary pop-ups to
permanent or
touring installations.
frequently asked questions
What is an experiential installation?
An experiential installation is a designed environment that people physically enter and interact with. It often combines art, design, technology, sound, and narrative to create an immersive experience.
Do you handle full production?
Yes. We can lead the full process from concept to delivery, or integrate into an existing team, depending on the project's needs.
Can installations be interactive or technology-led?
Absolutely. We regularly work with sensors, screens, projection, sound, generative visuals, and interactive systems where they add value to the experience.
Do you work internationally?
Yes. We are based in London and Dublin but work across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
Can installations be temporary or permanent?
Both. We design for pop-ups, exhibitions, festivals, and permanent installations.
An experiential installation is a designed environment that people physically enter and interact with. It often combines art, design, technology, sound, and narrative to create an immersive experience.
Do you handle full production?
Yes. We can lead the full process from concept to delivery, or integrate into an existing team, depending on the project's needs.
Can installations be interactive or technology-led?
Absolutely. We regularly work with sensors, screens, projection, sound, generative visuals, and interactive systems where they add value to the experience.
Do you work internationally?
Yes. We are based in London and Dublin but work across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
Can installations be temporary or permanent?
Both. We design for pop-ups, exhibitions, festivals, and permanent installations.