Frank Joss -
Director of Architecture Talks Lucerne
In 1996, Frank Joss was mandated by Pontresina/St. Moritz to develop a concept for an international architecture symposium, which took place in this spa and health resort from 1998 to 2002. An interdisciplinary approach to architecture has always been at the centre of the event, which seeks to establish ties between architecture - its focus -and the fields of business, economics, politics, society, philosophy, art, design and the new media. The symposium’s objective is to instigate a dialogue about the current manifestations which shape our urban life. Under the name "Architecture Talks Lucerne", the symposium has been taking place at the renowned Culture & Convention Centre Lucerne since 2005 and has established itself as one of Switzerland’s major architectural events.
Sensitive architecture has the potential to alter urban identities. This is the thought shared year after year by protagonists and participants at the event. With the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Frank O. Gehry has provided a prime example of how architecture can bestow great power of attraction on a city. Bilbao’s architectural icon has become a magnet, for those who live there and for foreigners whose attention it has drawn to the industrial town. Frank Joss is convinced: "The Bilbao effect can take place anywhere". To this end, the Architecture Talks Lucerne provide a highly interesting platform.
As the owner of a communication agency in Zurich, Frank Joss has spent the past years specialising increasingly in the development of concepts in the fields of branding and culture, as well as acting as an international Corporate Culture consultant for major corporations and personalities from the fields of art and architecture. He advises various locations, institutions and companies as regards the development of forward-looking image projects which also address current issues and strive to reconcile business and culture, to promote exchanges between these two central building blocks of society. Working with international personalities, he makes these ideas available to a large public, such as in his collaboration with Milan-based star architect Matteo Thun on a major project in the Grisons. On behalf of the Rontal syndicate (Lucerne), Frank Joss is developing a concept of economic and social location promotion which should see the Rontal grow into "Future Valley Lucerne". The "Laboratory of the Future" which he is establishing for the D4 Business Centre Lucerne is a key element of this concept. For Vitra, he developed a concept of "guerilla stores". For Kölnmesse and its international furnishing show imm cologne, he was in charge of the conception and realisation of the event "Architecture Code Cologne" (2007 and 2008), which brings together the brightest stars of art and architecture in a performative and staged setting. On behalf of Sony Overseas and its in-house fair Sony World HD Forum, Frank Joss‘ team has developed a platform where the widespread Sony Family meets to exchange ideas, joined by internationally renowned personalities. His office has also produced Corporate Identities for major corporations and institutions such as Omega (worldwide), Spitex, Mobimo, Bucherer Uhren und Schmuck...
Under its own publishing imprint, Joss Communications produces cultural and lifestyle magazines, books and documentaries.
