The History of the University
As an institution the University draws its creative power and dynamic from forward-looking scientific and economic developments and a long and an unbroken tradition. The University"s success is based on its ability to adapt by continuous and well-considered change. The roots of the University go back as far as 1776 when the first predecessor institution, a school of drawing, was founded.
The influences of the Bauhaus and the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm can still be felt in the paedagogy of the foundation courses, while their content and media have been constantly revised to meet the requirements of the times.
In 2002 the first students on the MA course in Communication Planing and Design were accepted and since 2004 the University has offered BA degrees in Communication Design and Product Design.
The history of the University in figures
1776
The School of Drawing (Zeichenschule) is founded and later becomes a Trades School.
1909
The Royal School for the Precious Metals Industry (Königliche Fachschule für Edelmetallindustrie) splits from the Trades School and moves into a new building by the architect Martin Elsässer. The University is housed in this building today.
1924
Following the ideas of the Werkbund, the school becomes the Higher State School for the Precious Metals Industry (Staatliche Höhere Fachschule für Edelmetalindustrie). Josef Albers, Lászlo Moholy-Nagy, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, and other Bauhaus figures visit the Schwäbisch Gmünd institution.
1926
The first Class of Industrial Design (Klasse für Industrielle Formgebung) is established by Prof. Walter Klein.
1952
After the end of World War II the Class of industrial design is re-established by Prof. Walter Lochmüller, the new Head of the School.
1965
The State School of Applied Arts (Staatliche Werkkunstschule Schwäbisch Gmünd) is founded.
1971
The College of Design (Fachhochschule für Gestaltung) is founded. Prof. Karl Dittert becomes the first Rector. The institution departs from its former concentration on the arts, becoming a school of design, and orienting its educational concept to that of the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm, which had closed in 1968 after a decision of the State Parliament.
1983
The design foundation courses form a common introduction to the Product Design, Jewellery Design, and Visual Design courses.
1987
Coverage is extended to the “new media”.
1999
The curriculum is thoroughly revised. Two overlapping programmes of Information and Media Design and Product and Environment Design allow students to set their own individual emphasis during their studies.
2002
The University"s spectrum is extended by the introduction of the MA in Communication Planning and Design course.
2004
The Diploma courses are replaced by BA courses in Communication Design and Product Design.
2005
The Hochschule für Gestaltung in Schwäbisch Gmünd becomes the “University of Applied Sciences”.
As an institution the University draws its creative power and dynamic from forward-looking scientific and economic developments and a long and an unbroken tradition. The University"s success is based on its ability to adapt by continuous and well-considered change. The roots of the University go back as far as 1776 when the first predecessor institution, a school of drawing, was founded.
The influences of the Bauhaus and the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm can still be felt in the paedagogy of the foundation courses, while their content and media have been constantly revised to meet the requirements of the times.
In 2002 the first students on the MA course in Communication Planing and Design were accepted and since 2004 the University has offered BA degrees in Communication Design and Product Design.
The history of the University in figures
1776
The School of Drawing (Zeichenschule) is founded and later becomes a Trades School.
1909
The Royal School for the Precious Metals Industry (Königliche Fachschule für Edelmetallindustrie) splits from the Trades School and moves into a new building by the architect Martin Elsässer. The University is housed in this building today.
1924
Following the ideas of the Werkbund, the school becomes the Higher State School for the Precious Metals Industry (Staatliche Höhere Fachschule für Edelmetalindustrie). Josef Albers, Lászlo Moholy-Nagy, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, and other Bauhaus figures visit the Schwäbisch Gmünd institution.
1926
The first Class of Industrial Design (Klasse für Industrielle Formgebung) is established by Prof. Walter Klein.
1952
After the end of World War II the Class of industrial design is re-established by Prof. Walter Lochmüller, the new Head of the School.
1965
The State School of Applied Arts (Staatliche Werkkunstschule Schwäbisch Gmünd) is founded.
1971
The College of Design (Fachhochschule für Gestaltung) is founded. Prof. Karl Dittert becomes the first Rector. The institution departs from its former concentration on the arts, becoming a school of design, and orienting its educational concept to that of the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm, which had closed in 1968 after a decision of the State Parliament.
1983
The design foundation courses form a common introduction to the Product Design, Jewellery Design, and Visual Design courses.
1987
Coverage is extended to the “new media”.
1999
The curriculum is thoroughly revised. Two overlapping programmes of Information and Media Design and Product and Environment Design allow students to set their own individual emphasis during their studies.
2002
The University"s spectrum is extended by the introduction of the MA in Communication Planning and Design course.
2004
The Diploma courses are replaced by BA courses in Communication Design and Product Design.
2005
The Hochschule für Gestaltung in Schwäbisch Gmünd becomes the “University of Applied Sciences”.