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Research Innovative Solutions through Design, Film and Art

Applying a practical, collaborative and transdisciplinary approach, we develop solutions for current challenges. We are led by methods and processes from design, the arts, and film. Our research partners are active in business, public administration and civil society. 

Our four Research Groups determine the focal points of our research: Pursuing the key topic of sustainability, Product and Textile Design is committed to developing circular processes. Visual Narrative investigates visual narration in film and other media, while Art Research explores art and interacting with society. Finally, Transformation Design analyses and provides guidance around societal challenges and opportunities in the context of socio-ecological transformation. Our research is predominantly funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), innosuisse and various foundations. In collaboration with partner universities in Switzerland and abroad, we offer PhD places in art, design, film and disciplines that transcend the divide between these subjects. 

Throughout our research activities in Design, Film an Art, we promote open science and, following the principles of the Better Science Initiative, an open and sustainable science culture. 

News

Social Design Network Conference 2025

Social Design Network Conference 2025

The 2025 Social Design Network Conference will take place from 18-20 September at Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art in Emmenbrücke.

Current Research Projects

Eine Installation im Raum von Fernando Obieta

The Contingency of Design – A Critique

The critical examination of dependence on technical systems has become an important challenge of the 21st century. Fernando Obieta's doctoral project pursues the question of how an ethics of design could be constituted in times of digitalization.

Forscherin Lea Schmidt neben dem Prototypen einer Jacke

Mono.Loop.Poly

Polyester is the most widely used textile fibre in the world. The material is non-renewable. Mono.Loop.Poly is developing a textile-to-textile material loop for mono-material polyester products. A design library supports the design of products that are compatible with the material loop.

Guillermina Noël bei einem Design Action Lab Workshop

Accelerating the pursuit of the SDGs in Swiss design education: Design Action Labs

What can Swiss design schools contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? In Design Action Labs, teaching approaches, pedagogical innovations and interventions are researched in order to promote the achievement of the SDGs.

Alte Kameras

Research with and on analog film equipment from private Swiss collections

A project looking for ways to archive the knowledge contained in large private collections of historical film equipment. In this way, it not only aims to counteract the loss of analogue equipment, but also to make modes of use, knowledge and specific aesthetics accessible.

Schriftenreihe

Schriftenreihe 745

Publication Series 745

The publication series «745» publishes contributions on the main research areas of the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art. The series is edited by Wolfgang Brückle and Rachel Mader. Available in German only.