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Ulm

The Red Thread: Designing Democracy at Ulm

6.1 km154 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how a small, austere design school on a hill in southern Germany attempted to rebuild the moral and visual fabric of a post-war nation. This is not just a tour about beautiful objects; it is a journey into the 'Ulm Model'—a radical philosophy that shifted design from artistic expression to a scientific, sociological tool for democratic freedom. From the anti-fascist resistance of the White Rose to the creation of the Braun record player and the Lufthansa identity, explore how the Hochschule für Gestaltung (HfG) shaped the modern systems we navigate every day.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Hans-und-Sophie-Scholl-Platz

The moral foundation of the tour, honoring the anti-fascist resistance fighters whose legacy inspired the creation of the HfG.

0.12 km • 2 min
2

STOP 2

Museum Ulm

Home to iconic HfG artifacts, showcasing the shift from Bauhaus artistry to the scientific, sociological approach of the Ulm Model.

Museum Ulm

Pic by Asio otus on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.46 km • 7 min
3

STOP 3

EinsteinHaus (vh Ulm)

The headquarters of the Adult Education Center, the intellectual incubator where the pedagogical framework for the HfG was forged.

1.19 km • 18 min
4

STOP 4

Ulm Hauptbahnhof

A bustling transit hub where the HfG's revolutionary approach to public systems design, corporate identity, and wayfinding comes to life.

Ulm Hauptbahnhof

Pic by Colin Smith on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

3.84 km • 59 min
During your walk

Interlude

A walking conversation exploring the contradictions of the Ulm Model, the tension between Marxist ideals and capitalist realities.

5

STOP 5

Gedenkstätte KZ Oberer Kuhberg

A former concentration camp, highlighting the deliberate, symbolic reclamation of a site of terror for democratic education.

Gedenkstätte KZ Oberer Kuhberg

Pic by Reutlingendorf on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.48 km • 7 min
6

END

HfG-Archiv Ulm

The culmination of the tour at Max Bill's historic campus, preserving the legacy of the Ulm Model and its impact on global visual culture.

HfG-Archiv Ulm

Pic by Martin Hahn on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Design professionals, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and urban explorers interested in the intersection of aesthetics, politics, and sociology.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably during museum and archive opening hours (Tuesday to Sunday).
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tour involves a significant uphill walk to the Kuhberg.
  • Opening hours Check the opening times for the Museum Ulm and the HfG-Archiv in advance, as they are crucial stops.
  • Pacing Take your time on the ascent during the interlude; it's a steep walk but offers great views.
  • Accessibility The walk up to the Kuhberg is physically demanding; consider your mobility levels.
  • Weather Bring an umbrella or raincoat, as several stops require standing outdoors in public squares.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Clara Vogt
Audio sample
0:000:00

Clara Vogt

  • Art, Design & Aesthetics
  • Portugal

Art and design lover. Discovers beauty in the everyday and connects street art, fashion, and architecture.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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