Lausanne-Based Studio 'Emphase' to Design Next Generation of Swiss Banknotes

A bold new era for Swiss currency has officially begun. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has decisively selected the Lausanne-based creative powerhouse, Emphase, to craft the visual identity of the nation's next banknote series. In a highly competitive selection process that initially drew talent from every corner of the confederation, Emphase emerged victorious, beating out five other elite finalists in the concluding round. This victory marks a significant shift, placing the artistic direction of Switzerland's most tangible financial asset firmly in the hands of Romandie creatives.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, confirms that the studio's visionary concept, "Switzerland and its altitudes," resonated most profoundly with the Bank Council. While the current series is widely lauded for its technical prowess, this next generation promises to push the boundaries of aesthetic storytelling even further. By securing this prestigious commission, Emphase has not only won a contract but has etched its name into the history of Swiss design. The decision underscores a commitment to innovation, ensuring that the Swiss franc remains the gold standard of banknote design globally.

The chosen theme, "Switzerland and its altitudes," promises a dramatic departure from traditional portraiture or abstract concepts. Emphase's winning vision masterfully captures the vertical duality of the Swiss landscape, weaving a narrative that ascends from the valleys to the peaks. The design strategy is distinct and ambitious: one side of the notes will be adorned with intricate botanical illustrations, celebrating the nation's diverse flora, while the reverse will showcase subjects from architecture, culture, transport, and the rugged landscape.

This juxtaposition serves as a powerful metaphor for Switzerland itself—a nation deeply rooted in nature yet reaching skyward through engineering and cultural achievement. The concept does not merely depict scenery; it interprets the Swiss experience through elevation. By integrating organic plant life with the structured lines of Swiss infrastructure, the design creates a visual dialogue between the wild and the man-made. This thematic depth suggests that the upcoming series will be more than just currency; it will be a pocket-sized gallery of Swiss identity, reflecting the country's topographic soul with unprecedented artistic flair.

The path to this decision was paved with unprecedented public engagement. In a massive display of democratic interest in design, over 100,000 people cast their votes during the public consultation phase in the summer of 2025. This staggering level of participation highlights just how deeply the Swiss populace cares about the aesthetics of their currency. The competition began with a massive field of more than 300 designers working in Switzerland, a number that was ruthlessly whittled down to twelve concepts, and finally, the single winning vision.

While the final authority rested with the SNB's Bank Council, the sheer volume of public input and the scrutiny of an expert advisory board ensured that the selection process was rigorous and exhaustive. The twelve shortlisted designs, which captured the imagination of the public, are set to be exhibited at the SNB Forum in Zurich from March 5-15. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative diversity of the nation, showcasing the high-caliber concepts that Emphase ultimately surpassed. The selection of Emphase is not just a win for the studio, but a validation of a process that balanced expert critique with broad public sentiment.

Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, the Swiss public must exercise patience. The SNB has made it clear that perfection cannot be rushed. The new banknotes are not expected to enter circulation until the early 2030s at the earliest. This extended timeline is critical; the transition from a winning artistic concept to a secure, mass-producible financial instrument is a complex engineering feat. The current designs by Emphase are drafts, and the final appearance of the notes may evolve significantly as security features are integrated.

The SNB’s Bank Council retains the final say on the definitive design, ensuring that the aesthetic beauty of the "Altitudes" concept does not compromise the note's integrity or counterfeit resilience. As we look toward the next decade, the anticipation builds. Switzerland is not merely printing money; it is engineering a future icon. Until then, the current series remains in use, but the countdown to a visually redefined Switzerland has officially started.