The École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ÉCAL) is a university of art and design located in the Renens suburb of Lausanne, Switzerland. It was founded in 1821[2][3] and is affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO).[4] The designer Alexis Georgacopoulos is the director of ÉCAL.[5][6]
A precursor to ÉCAL called the "Ecole Cantonale de Dessin" was founded in 1821, and situated in Cité-Devant. The school was relocated to the newly built Musée Arlaud [fr] in the centre of Lausanne twenty years later. Over the next century the school moved to various locations and went though changes of management and name before eventually taking its current name and location in 1986.[7]
Under the directorship of the graphic artist Pierre Keller [fr] from 1995 to 2011, ÉCAL became, "one of the world's most influential design schools."[8]
The building in which the school is housed was designed by the architect Bernard Tschumi in what was once a pantyhose factory.[9][10]
ÉCAL offers a foundation year, bachelor's, master's, and master's in advanced studies degrees in different fields.[11][1]
Preparatory year for students who wish to work in the fields of art or design. The course is designed to provide the skills required for a Bachelor's program at ÉCAL or another university.[12]
Graduates of ÉCAL include:[17][18]
Partial list of ÉCAL professors, staff, and guest lecturers:[18]
An exhibition titled How to best teach design today? which explored the teaching methods and outcomes of the school was staged at the Vitra Design Museum in 2022.[87] The book The ECAL manual of style: How to best teach design today? was published at the same time.[88]
{{cite book}}
46°32′12″N 6°35′19″E / 46.53667°N 6.58861°E / 46.53667; 6.58861