In August 2017, after completing my bachelor's degree in Basel, I joined WILDDESIGN in Gelsenkirchen for a three-month internship. This internship was my entry into the world of work as a product designer. So a lot of things were new and unfamiliar to me. But even outside the office, many things seemed strange to me, because I was leaving my familiar surroundings in Switzerland and ending up in the middle of the Ruhr region. At WILDDESIGN, I can count myself as the first Swiss employee.

London, New York - or Gelsenkirchen?

How is it that I am the first Swiss at WILDDESIGN? Even before I arrived, I realized that the Ruhr region doesn't exactly appeal to the Swiss, especially not Gelsenkirchen. If anything, Swiss designers are more likely to be drawn to London, Berlin or New York. I also initially thought that I would do my internship at the WILDDESIGN office in Munich.  

But circumstances dictated that I should go to WILDDESIGN in Gelsenkirchen. This gave me the opportunity to get to know the Ruhr region and the people here. At work, I didn't notice much of my new surroundings at first; the openness and global mindset of the designers made it easy for me to get started. I received a warm welcome on my very first day and was involved in exciting projects. Perhaps the mentality here in the district may seem a little rougher and drier, but I soon felt part of the team.

In search of inspiration

The differences became more apparent when it came to finding a balance to my creative work. The science park is not comparable to the creative environment of the university that I had previously known. I also enjoyed being inspired by the contrasts in Switzerland, often traveling by train and crossing the whole country while I worked. I was looking for the variety that Switzerland offered me through its well-organized structures and great cultural diversity, be it the impressive nature, the great museums or the people in lively cities. But what would inspire me here in the Ruhr region?

Attractive contrasts and a mood of change create a special charm

I quickly realized that the district is also characterized by contrasts. The diversity simply reveals itself in a different sense. I had to get used to that first. The WILDDESIGN office and the intern flat share are very centrally located in the Ruhr region. As a balance to my work, I explored the Ruhr area from there - preferably by bike: you ride through nice neighborhoods with a village character, past an old coal mine, then you cross an overgrown section of forest followed by an unsightly 60s block of houses and finally end up on a hill with a view over the whole area.

The man-made landscape created by the numerous slag heaps and mines is both impressive and inspiring, as are the contrasts of the people who live here. The Ruhr region is far from idyllic, rough and yet unadulterated. And it is precisely this contrast, the old industrial stronghold and a kind of mood of upheaval that is clearly noticeable. This is what makes this area so charming and offers an interesting balance to work.

My conclusion is: I first had to be made aware of the Ruhr area option. I embarked on this adventure with a little respect, but with curiosity. In hindsight, it was a great experience that opened up my horizons - in a different way than a major international city would have done, but in a very positive way. WILDDESIGN offers a great opportunity to do this, representing the Ruhr region in a cosmopolitan and innovative way. As a Swiss national, it's a great place to work and familiarize yourself with the area!