The research trip to South Korea will apply proven intercultural practices, including studio and institutional visits designed as informal, conversational settings to foster open dialogue. Cultural sensitivity will be ensured by acknowledging local communication styles and involving professional interpreters where needed—about one in five contacts have already requested this support. Encounters will be carefully documented using photography, video, and 3D scanning (photogrammetry) to enable later reflection and knowledge-sharing.
The trip aims to lay the groundwork for a future exhibition on South Korea’s design and architectural landscape. It will initiate new partnerships with local designers and institutions, enrich teaching and programming at ZHdK, and prepare for academic exchange formats such as guest lectures or student-led contributions. One key objective is to invite a distinguished South Korean design academic or practitioner to ZHdK for an in-person event.
The project will strengthen ZHdK’s international profile and foster long-term connections between the Swiss and South Korean design communities. It promotes intercultural exchange, expands the curatorial and educational toolkit, and anchors East Asian perspectives within ZHdK’s strategic outlook. Ultimately, it contributes to shaping a more inclusive and globally informed design discourse.