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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:59
Abstract
The course investigates the development processes of public art commissions in the city of Zürich in relation to public art commission systems in cities abroad. Through case studies, the course explores historical, political and artistic contexts. It analyzes the conditions of the making of the artworks and how the artworks affect our urban environment.
Objective
The main objective of this course is to offer a survey of the city of Zurich from an art perspective. The course will address a range of issues based on artistic topicality and art processes. It will address the notion of public space, and to what extent that space can be appropriated . Case studies will cross-examine artworks according to their location, their conception history, and the connections their make or miss with their environment. Case studies will allow participants to analyze the art commission process, go though the motivations, the underlying grounds and goals of the art project, and reflect on its achievements.
Content
Each session introduces a specific art site in the city of Zürich. The site is either an artwork installed in the public space of the city, or a public or private building that hosts an artwork meant for its premisses. Each example is put in regard with another public artwork selected in a non-Swiss city. Survey and observation allow participants to address and reflect on questions such as: - What is public in a public space? - What is the temporality of art in the public space? - How much space is dedicated to public art in the conception and design phase of a building? - Who is in charge of the artwork's maintenance? - What differentiates art in the public space, memorials and public sculpture? - Who is the audience and who has a say?
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 25
- Signup End
- 28.02.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Art in Public Space
Number of participants is limited to 25. No teaching on March 19 (Seminar Week) and during the last two weeks of the semester.
|
|
2 h weekly |