On this page you will find current and upcoming educational formats. Besides that, the IAS The Immersive Arts Space offers two minors as part of the university-wide major-minor programme from September 2024: The Immersive Arts Space Basic Minor and the Immersive Arts Advanced Minor. The diverse modules are aimed at students who wish to develop immersive projects using technical and/or computer-generated means.
To have a look at these past courses (Public Lecture Series, Z-Modules etc.), check out the Edu Archive.
Open Lecture by Rasa Smite | 25. November 2025 | Kino Toni (3.G02), Toni-Areal
How can data become experience? And how might artistic interpretation turn scientific data into embodied ecological knowledge?
In her lecture, artist and researcher Rasa Smite explores how environmental data can be transformed into multisensory, emotion-evoking experiences. She traces her experimental practice from data sonification and visualization to sensorialization in virtual-reality environments such as Atmospheric Forest (2020) and Solarceptors (2025). Extending this approach, she draws on Don Ihde’s concept of multisensory science and Yusoff and Gabrys’s notion of climate imaginaries, arguing that the artistic sensorialization of data in immersive environments can expand scientific knowing — opening new modes of sensing, perceiving, and connecting with the changing planet.
This lecture is part of the series Interfacing Ecologies, that explores how interactions take place in more-than-human worlds and how we can access these interactions in the field. With guests from various disciplines and fields, the questions is asked how we can formulate and put into practice new understandings of interactions in environments and ecologies, and how we might deal with these challenges that are so close to life. https://interactiondesign.zhdk.ch/events/interfacing-ecologies/
Lecture by Chris Salter (IAS) and Nils Röller (Philosophie) | 26.11.25, Hörsaal 1, Toni Areal
The lecture “Machinen versprechen Zukünfte” is part of the lecture series “Gemeinsinn. Zur Zukunft der Kunsthochschule” and is an event from the Critical Thinking minor led by Judith Siegmund, professor of philosophical aesthetics, with contributions from members of all departments at ZHdK.
In global politics, many people seem to be increasingly preoccupied with differences. What brings us together, what drives us apart – in relation to the art academy: practice from theory, music from conceptual art, film from dance, and research from performance, the political from the aesthetic, etc.? Two professors/teachers from different departments each give a joint lecture: What is special about the arts, design, their theories, and their teaching? And what answers do they have to the pressing questions of our time?
All information about the lecture series can be [here]
Immersive Arts Basic Minor – Discover the World of Immersive Arts
Impression of the Immersive Arts Basic Minor. Credits: Stella Speziali
Step into the exciting intersection of art, technology and design with the Immersive Arts Basic Minor. This programme gives you the tools to explore immersive media and develop group projects in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
Under the lead and mentorship of the research members of the Immersive Arts Space BA & MA students will create multi-sensory experiences that dissolve the boundaries between art making and technology.
In the first round on Friday afternoons, you will get to know the other participants, their artistic backgrounds and sketch out initial ideas for your projects. There will be input on brainstorming, observation methods and project management. You will also receive initial technical input and small practice assignments.
The first round of block-weeks will immerse you in the technical possibilities of the Immersive Arts Space and provide you with basic technical skills in tracking technology, volumetric capture, digital avatars, projection mapping, spatial augmented reality, lighting control and spatial (with ambisonic) and binaural audio. Short workshops are followed by periods of individual development, alternating with group tutorials and mentored learning.
This knowledge forms the basis for the second block week in the spring semester. The focus here is on project realisation: In the first week – outside the Immersive Arts Space – the project ideas are refined in terms of theme, scope and approach, and a concrete production plan and distribution of tasks are drawn up. This is followed by the actual implementation phase, where the skills learned are put into practice. In the last week, the projects are finalised and completed. The teams determine the appropriate medium for expressing their ideas, so that an audience can experience and interact with the project in a meaningful way.
In the final module, participants learn the essential skills for presenting their creative work outside the ZHdK. Students will learn how to document projects with high quality images and videos, develop detailed technical riders for exhibitions and/or performances, write research papers, prepare applications for open calls for festivals and residencies, and apply for grants. Through theoretical input and practical workshops, students will learn how to navigate professional opportunities in the creative industries.
Why Choose this Minor?
The Immersive Arts minor provides a solid foundation in immersive media, preparing you to push creative boundaries at the intersection of art and technology. Whether you’re an artist, designer or technologist, this is your chance to expand your skills and shape the future of immersive storytelling. Feel free to contact Stella Speziali with your questions. For administrative inquiries, please contact Joëlle Kost.
Your Mentors:
Martin Fröhlich: Senior researcher / projection mapping Eric Larrieux: 3D audio / interactive audio Christopher Salter: Direction / Concepts / Methods Stella Speziali: Projection mapping / visual concepts Corinne Soland: Motion capture coach Sébastien Schiesser: Space technician
Immersive Arts Advanced Minor – Where Creativity meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Volumetric data in virtual space. Credits: Oliver Sahli
Are you ready to push the boundaries of art, technology and design? The Immersive Arts Advanced Minor is a hands-on course for students who want to explore immersive technologies in a dynamic, project-based studio environment. Collaborate with like-minded students and peers to create interactive experiences.
Over the course of six intensive block weeks, you will take part in applied workshops, research-driven experiments and mentoring sessions, all designed to develop your technical skills and conceptual thinking.
Work on an interdisciplinary group project, starting with individual ideas and developing into collaborative work under expert mentorship.
Experience a real-world environment, working outside the IAS but using its resources for experiments and specific project phases.
Participate in applied workshops during the six block-weeks based on current research topics at the Immersive Arts Space (IAS), giving you exclusive insights into the future of immersive technologies. The HS25/FS26 edition will focus on Mixed Reality, AI and Machine Learning, inspired by the SNSF research projects XR Futures and Performing Artificial Intelligence.
Enjoy more flexible Friday afternoons for self-study, mentoring sessions, guest lectures and excursions.
Learn from Experts
Led by Oliver Sahli (game designer specialising in mixed reality and performative aspects of games) and Florian Bruggisser (researcher in machine learning, computer vision and spatial installations), the program is also supported by guest lecturers who provide deeper perspectives on emerging technologies and creative methodologies.
Who should Apply?
This minor is perfect for students with experience in game engines, computer audio, interactive software or programming – but even if you’re new to these fields, a strong willingness to learn is all you need. If you have already taken courses such as Immersive Arts Basics, Virtual Production, Digital Play or Experience Design, you will be fully equipped.
To apply, please submit a short half-page project outline outlining your interests. This will help us match you with the right group and refine your project direction. Not sure if this is the right minor for you? Feel free to contact Oliver or Florian with your questions. For administrative questions, please contact Joëlle Kost.
