The arts and design know no national or geographical borders. Together with its partner universities, the ZHdK offers exchange opportunities for students and supports a wide range of international projects, programmes and initiatives. As part of an exchange programme, ZHdK students can study abroad for one or two semesters. In turn, the ZHdK offers international students the opportunity to study in Zurich on an exchange or full-time basis. The «Dossier Internationales» organises and coordinates this international cooperation.
We have designed a new visual identity for the «Dossier Internationales», inspired entirely by natural phenomena and focused on natural forces, in line with our focus on biophilic design. The migration of living beings and the constant action of natural elements such as ocean currents and winds form the basis of life on Earth and embody the interconnectedness of all parts of the world. Through the design concept, we showcase the beauty of exchange and networking, completely free from politics and national borders.
Trade winds are persistent air currents around the globe. They are essential to our planet and are responsible for rainy and dry seasons. They connect all continents and parts of the world and are united in a single overall system.
Global ocean currents, which transport masses of water around the globe, are of great importance. They connect the world's oceans and thus ensure the transport of matter and energy through the oceans. Ocean currents transport warm water from the equator to the poles and cold water from the poles to the equator. In doing so – like the winds in the atmosphere – they ensure the global balance of temperatures.
A grid reminiscent of geographical coordinates is used as another design element. This too is a system that is used worldwide and has a unifying effect.
Nature shows us that we are all connected. To bring the systems back into harmony – and ultimately to survive –, we must think globally. The movement, poetry and lightness of these forces that hold the Earth together inspired the present visual identity.
