Florian Graf: School Models

Swiss artist Florian Graf conceived his School Models art project for the public space in the city of Zurich. Situated within the playground of a public secondary school, it comprises models of three neighbouring schools, each representing a period of architectural history. Graf’s white, limestone sculptures of 1:20 scale are supported by oversized, multicoloured Terazzo toy blocks. Pupils are invited to appropriate their school buildings in entirely new ways, such as seating or as meeting places. The interplay of proportions between oversized blocks and miniature school buildings, as well as the actual school buildings as a backdrop, prompts a re-evaluation of the underlying power dynamics and interpretations that shape educational systems. This book documents a unique public art project that evokes interaction through images and supplementing texts. It illuminates key terms such as education, model, collaboration, and resonance. The book also invites a reflection on the evolution of education and its institutions over time. Text in English and German.