Biography
Dr Barbara Mutzbauer is a scenographer, interior architect and lecturer. She is currently the interim Head of the Spatial Design degree programme at the Lucerne School of Art and Design. Her work focuses on the creation and critical reflection of atmosphere, as well as the aesthetic and healing qualities of our built environment.
In her doctoral thesis, The Function of Blur, she explored the communicative potential of atmospheres within exhibition spaces. At the Competence Centre Visual Narrative at the Lucerne School of Art and Design, she is engaged in researching both practical and theoretical aspects of Healing Spaces, investigating their potential to foster restorative and meaningful spatial experiences.
Reviewer for the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)
Accreditation and certification of international higher education institutions and study programmes
Research and Teaching
Since 09/2025:
Interim Head of BA Spatial Design, HSLU DFK
Overall responsibility for the programme until the end of February 2026
Since 03/2025:
Research Project Lead, CC Visual Narrative, HSLU DFK
Responsible for the acquisition of research funding, with a focus on Healing Spaces and sacred architecture
Since 09/2024:
Senior Lecturer and Faculty Member, University of Applied Sciences Lucerne (HSLU) – Design Film Art
Core team member in the BA Spatial Design programme, teaching theory and project modules and supervising written as well as artistic/design Bachelor theses
01/2023-08/2024:
Part-time Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Lucerne (HSLU) – Design Film Art
Courses and workshops in Spatial Design at HSLU Design Film Art; supervision of written and artistic/design Bachelor theses
Since 09/2022:
Lecturer, Treibhaus – Agency Campus for Creative Concept Development
Inputs and workshops with participants of the one-year, part-time programme in creative concept development for live communication
10/2021-08/2023:
Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, Faculty of Interior Architecture, Architecture and Design
Supervision of semester design projects (e.g. hotel design) and conception and delivery of theory seminars
Since 08/2020:
Lecturer and Mentor, Zurich University of the Arts
- CAS “Atmospheric Design”: theory-based teaching and mentoring of student design projects; member of the final juries
- CAS “Living Space Design”: theory-based teaching and mentoring of student design projects
- Winter & Summer Schools:“Narrative Spaces”, “New Work Spaces” and “Emaphty in the Arts“
02/2021
Doctorate, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Potsdam
Viva voce in February 2021; publication with Dr. Kovac Verlag in the series Museums- und Ausstellungswesen in Theorie und Praxis:
Die Funktion der Unschärfe – Atmosphärische Kommunikation in der Weltausstellung. Dargelegt an Beispielen der Expo 2015 in Mailand.
The work contributes to discourse in exhibition design by combining aesthetic research and phenomenology with an innovative artistic methodology.
Professional Experience
Since 09/2025:
Barbara Mutzbauer Creative
Founder; independent practice for creative consultany, spatial design and scenography
01/2022-08/2025:
Creative Director Concept & Strategy, Aroma AG Zurich
Responsible for creation, conceptual development and consulting in live communication, narrative spaces, exhibition design, storytelling and interior design
02/2021-12/2021:
Head of Design & Scenography, MCH Global, Live Marketing Solution AG
Creative lead for interior architecture and scenography projects, including office spaces and a special exhibition in the French Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
06/2019-01/2021:
Creative Director, Bellprat Partner/narrative environments in Zürich
Responsible for the creation of exhibition projects, events and brand stagings, including creative lead for the scenography of the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
04/2019–05/2019:
Two-month academic focus period to complete the dissertation
09/2016–03/2019:
Design Director bei SCHMIDHUBER Partner in Munich
Concept, design, illustration, presentation and implementation of exhibitions and trade fairs, Brand Communication; leadership of creative teams
07/2011-08/2016:
Scenographer, Bellprat Associates/narrative environments in Zürich
Projects in exhibition design and pavilions, leading the Shanghai Office
09/2008-07/2011:
Scenographer,Cornelius de Fries GmbH, Atelier for Scenography, Zurich
08/2006-08/2008:
Interior Architect, WengerWittmann GmbH, Agentur for Brand Communication in Munich
