Organising an industry event of the size of Zurich Design Weeks is no easy feat, but then Gabriela Chicherio, Co-founder and Festival Director of Zurich Design Weeks, says she is always up for a challenge. We spoke with her about this year's GOOD NEWS edition of the fair that ended last month, and she shared with us why event organisers believe they have 'finally arrived' and what design enthusiasts can expect in 2025.
Co-founder and Festival Director Gabriela Chicherio. Photos: Marion Nitsch.
The Zurich Design Weeks have come to a close. How was the event?
'The Zurich Design Weeks were fantastic! We realise that with the third edition, we've really arrived and are now a fixture in Zurich's event calendar. For us as a team, these weeks are always a highlight. We work toward them all year, and I always enjoy being on site, talking to the visitors, and seeing that I'm not the only one who takes pleasure in the result.'
Was there a good turnout?
'Yes! The interest grows every year. For example, we had significantly more guests at our opening, our "Design Central" was always well-attended, and our "Curators' Walks" attracted a surprisingly large audience this year. For this edition, the theme GOOD NEWS definitely lived up to its name.'
What was on show?
'3 Partner Events, 5 Landmarks, 26 Exhibitions & Showrooms, 6 Open Studios, 5 Newcomers, 10 Workshops, 19 Talks, and 9 Walks could be visited during the Zurich Design Weeks this year. We had a packed program, making it difficult to list everything. But all the program points can still be found on our website designweeks.ch.'
What were some of the highlights?
'Personally, I enjoy atmospheric, installation-based works that either blend into their surroundings or completely transform a space. This includes the Landmarks in public space like the Togetherness Bench by Yael Anders, the Waver installation by Studio Topo, the light installation Soul by Mykola Kabluka in the historic ticket hall at Enge station, and the speaker elements by Flavia Brändle and Kasia Kempa. Equally intriguing in this regard was the interactive exhibition Florascope by Polestar, featuring Zurich interaction designer Nadya Sovorova and Swedish graphic designer Nicklas Hultman.'
What could have gone better?
'We've received a lot of positive feedback, but there have been comments expressing a desire for more programming in English. We take this to heart, especially since we've noticeably welcomed more international guests this year. Switzerland is, after all, a multilingual country. While we already communicate extensively in English and provide bilingual texts in our exhibitions, we now want to enhance our programming in English to better engage international visitors and non-German-speaking locals at the event.'
How is the market and economy right now in Switzerland?
'As of now, Switzerland's economy is showing resilience, with inflation remaining low; however, there are concerns about rising costs in certain areas, such as housing, food, and raw materials. Many individuals and companies are cautious and managing their expenses very carefully.'
Did it impact the event?
'This frugal approach to finances inevitably leads to a more conscious use of resources and often reinforces the principle of quality over quantity. As a festival organisation, we are also considering what we can borrow or rent, what we can reuse, and what we might not necessarily need at all.'
What's in store for the next edition?
'The next edition will take place in September 2025. What there will be to see, I don't know yet—that's the exciting part of our concept. I too love being surprised by the ideas and projects the participants bring and what we can develop together. But one thing is certain: collaborations will be at the centre.'
More information:
Zurich Design Weeks
www.designweeks.ch