Ludic Culture Hub (LCH)

Description

Play as a space for research and innovation

The Ludic Culture Hub establishes a shared structure for research, education, design, and knowledge transfer around play, games, and interactive media. It brings together the University of Zurich, Zurich University of the Arts, Zurich University of Teacher Education, and Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

By working closely with schools, education authorities, the local games industry, cultural institutions, and other practice partners, the initiative creates a dynamic ecosystem that bridges academia and society and explores the significance of ludic practices for education, society, technology, and sustainable development.

“Ludic culture” is understood in a broad and generative sense. It is not only targeted to digital games, but also encompasses simulation, experimentation, the modelling of possible futures, and the creative exploration of complex systems. Play and ludic practices enable individuals and institutions to test assumptions, engage with uncertainty, and explore alternative modes of action. Within this wider framework, the Ludic Culture Hub positions ludic practices as a key driver of societal reflection, responsible technological development, and sustainable cultural transformation.

A shared physical space at the Swiss Game Hub in Zurich Oerlikon connects the four higher education institutions with the Swiss games industry. It provides space for research, co-creation, events, and continuous exchange with practice partners.

Four dimensions of ludic culture

The activities of the Ludic Culture Hub are organised around four interconnected thematic dimensions:

• “Ludic Social Analysis”, led by the University of Zurich, investigates games as cultural and social practices and examines both their constructive and potentially adverse effects on society.
• “Ludic Experience and Experiments”, led by Zurich University of the Arts, explores how ludic methods can be used for design, production, education, artistic practice, and research.
• “Ludic Education”, led by PHZH, translates research-based insights and cultural perspectives on games into educational practice, classroom teaching, teacher professional development, and school development.
• “Ludic Sustainability”, led by ZHAW, focuses on two interconnected aspects: leveraging games for sustainability and making the Swiss games industry more sustainable.

The dimensions address key societal, technological, and cultural challenges. Digital literacy, artificial intelligence, inclusion and diversity, as well as ecological and technological sustainability, are treated as cross-cutting topics.

Key data