Barbara Mutzbauer

Dr. Barbara Mutzbauer is a scenographer, interior architect, and Senior Lecturer in Spatial Design at the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art (HSLU), and teaches Atmospheric Design at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). She focuses on the creation and reflection of atmospheric narratives in spaces, emphasizing their impact on human well-being. Her research, including her doctoral thesis on atmospheric communication in exhibitions, introduces the method 'Atmografie' to analyze intersubjective spatial experiences.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy (2021), University of Potsdam
• Diploma in Interior Architecture (2006), Fachhochschule Rosenheim
• Advanced Studies: CAS in Atmospheric Design (ZHdK), Cultural Anthropology (UZH/LMU Munich), and others

Research Interests: Exploring the interplay between space, atmosphere, and human perception. Key themes include the aesthetic potential of ambiguity in design, sustainable spatial strategies, and the role of light and narrative in shaping environments. Her work bridges artistic practice and theoretical discourse, with a focus on exhibition design and live communication.

Awards & Recognition:

• Recipient of Red Dot, German Design, and Xaver Awards for projects such as the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
• Jury member for Design Preis Schweiz, Edi.23/24, and Giardina Garden Messe

Professional Experience: Creative Director at Aroma and MCH Global; design leadership roles at Bellprat Partner and Schmidhuber Partner. Projects include the 'House of Switzerland' at the London Olympics and strategic design for corporate and cultural clients.

Labs & Teams: Active in academic mentorship through CAS programs and workshops, fostering innovation in spatial and atmospheric design. Engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations, such as the 'Treibhaus' creative campus for live communication concepts.