I’ll be checking this out at the upcoming Zurich Design Weeks

Design surrounds, influences and affects us all in our everyday lives – how we find our way around spaces, how we interpret information, and how we identify with our culture. Fortunately, the Design Weeks offer a wide-ranging programme. This year’s programme is packed with events, kicking off on 17 September. Here are my top picks!

Installation on Gustav-Gull-Platz, free of charge

The ‘building roof’ is an area that corresponds exactly to the unused roof of the adjacent construction site F. However, its replica on the ground will be in use for the entire duration of Zurich Design Weeks. The HSLU installation aims to encourage discussion about the potential of urban roof spaces.

Special note: There are introductory sessions, talks, roof tours and much more on various days.

Further information

Design Zentrale at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, free admission

Japan and Italy are two countries with distinct cultures that have repeatedly collaborated in the field of aviation. A key figure was the Japanese engineer and designer Isao Hosoe. This exhibition pays tribute to his work.

Special note: There will be a talk (in English) on 20 September at 3 pm.

Further information & Opening hours

Exhibition at Moyoshimono, free admission

Who doesn’t have a piece of Ikea furniture at home? The Swedish furniture giant is everywhere. Ikea’s success also lies in the secret of its simple design – at Design Weeks, we’ll try to identify the pattern behind it.

Special note: Workshops on 18 September 2026 at 11.30 am and 4 pm

Further information

Talk and guided tour at Freitag Zürich Noerd, free of charge

For a change, I’d like to sit back and just listen. How about attending the Pitch Night on the circular economy, where eight different perspectives from politics, academia, civil society and business will be presented?

Special note: Before the talk, guests can find out about Freitag’s bag production at 5.30 pm.

Information, times & registration

Exhibition at the Wasserkirche, free of charge

Once again, Kyiv Design Week is being given a platform as part of the Zurich Design Weeks. This time, it features a multimedia and sensory installation exploring the important themes of sustainability, environmental awareness and our relationship with the natural world.

Please note: There are several concerts, talks and guided tours (some in English).

Further details and opening times

Pop-up shop at Maison Shift

What would Zurich Design Weeks be without the chance to buy stylish design pieces? One place to do just that is the Fashion Kiosk, a pop-up shop dedicated to slow fashion.

Special note: Workshops on 19 September at 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm

Details, opening times and registration

Guided tour, free of charge

As you make your way through Zurich, you pass objects that have been specifically designed for particular purposes. Take, for example, the more than 80 emergency water fountains. Whilst these are a distinctive feature of Zurich, they are also rather inconspicuous. Launched to coincide with the festival, the ‘Zurich Design Map’ offers a different perspective on our immediate surroundings via an app-based audio walk.

Special note: The map is available from the ‘Design Zentrale’ at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.

Further information

Design Zentrale at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, free of charge

What do the up-and-coming designers have to say? The festival programme has plenty to offer in this respect too. In the ‘Newcomer’ section, five final-year students from Switzerland’s leading design colleges present their work. This includes a completely reimagined pair of 3D glasses, old family jewellery given a new lease of life, and a circular hiking rucksack.

Further information & opening hours

Workshops at Torro Studio, subject to a fee

After numerous exhibitions and guided tours, I’d like to let my creativity run wild. I’m taking part in Torro Studio’s workshop series, which covers several disciplines: sketching, painting, pottery, photography and cross-media design. The guided courses are designed for both creative professionals and beginners.

Further details, times and registration

Party at Quellenstrasse 27, free entry

We’ll be celebrating at the end! The building at Quellenstrasse 27 has been home to creative minds and designers for decades. Before it undergoes renovation, it’s opening its doors one last time. Cheers!

Further information