Léa Ermuth
Where at the ZHdK can you be found?
I mostly work in the university communications office or in the office of the Department of Design. My favourite spot, though, is the roof garden. When the temperatures are warm, it is a wonderful place to linger. When I work by myself, you can also find me in the workshops, or rendering in the computer room.
What motivates you?
My curiosity. I am constantly interested in discovering and learning more – whether it’s in my work environment, the world around me or in my personal life. I believe that the thirst for knowledge is a basic human drive which enables us to develop and grow. Beyond that, curiosity is also an important source of inspiration and creativity. If we continue to be open to new things and let ourselves be inspired by them, we can form new ideas that can benefit us and others.
What do you find fascinating about the ZHdK?
When I first came to the ZHdK and the Toni-Areal campus, I was fascinated by its size. The building, a labyrinth made of concrete, still reminds me of an anthill. The Toni-Areal seems like a complex and dynamic ecosystem of creative people who work in different disciplines and research areas.
What could you not live without at the Toni?
My friends, of course. They inspire me with their ideas and creativity, and ensure that my day-to-day life at the ZHdK always remains varied and exciting. But it’s more than that – they are actually super-funny and often make me laugh, which lifts my mood and motivation to a whole new level.
What are you reading at the moment?
Sex Robots & Vegan Meat: Adventures at the Frontier of Birth, Food, Sex & Death (2020) by Jenny Kleeman.
What is your favourite design object?
The dress by my friend Mara Danz. The fabric was created by Mara in collaboration with the textile printing company Mitlödi in Canton Glarus, using silkscreen printing.
