Department of Design

Knowledge Visualization at the Zurich University of the Arts is an internationally unique field of study and research. Since 1944, designers who render knowledge visible have received their education here. The first graduate degree in 1951 marks the beginning of the development of the specialist class for scientific drawing (Fachklasse für Wissenschaftliches Zeichnen) towards the study programme Scientific Visualization (Wissenschaftliche Illustration), from which the current curriculum and, since 2015, an independent research group have developed.

On the occasion of this anniversary, a six-month exhibition as well as the event series «Jubiläums-Talks» will take place.

The exhibition «75 Years of Knowledge Visualization» is on display from 20 May 2026 to 22 October 2026 on the Nordwand at Toni-Areal. This collaboration with the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich shows 48 outstanding works from 75 years of education that illustrate how knowledge is translated to images at ZHdK.

Vernissage
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
6pm, Entry Hall Toni-Areal
Welcome by Hansuli Matter, introduction in image and word by Niklaus Heeb and Karin Seiler, intervention with natural horns & toast. 
Language: German
It is possible to register until 4 May 2026 via info.vsv@zhdk.ch.

Guided Tour for ZHdK Employees
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
5:30pm, Entry Hall Toni-Areal (approx. 1 hour)
Language: German
Registration via info.vsv@zhdk.ch 

Guided Tour for Teachers / External Guests
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
5:30pm, Entry Hall Toni-Areal (approx. 1 hour)
Language: German
Registration via info.vsv.@zhdk.ch 

In the event series «Jubiläums-Talks», two alumni per session will talk about various topics and perspectives: about their studies, their career paths and the development of the discipline. Experiences, memories and anecdotes as well as questions about the present and future of Knowledge Visualization will be discussed. The talks are held in a moderated discussion format with a small aperifit at the end.