Since the 1990s, I have been engaged in research on the future and the science of happiness. My diploma thesis in spatial planning developed the Cosinus lifestyle types, for which I designed a sample space using forward-looking, integral, and flexible planning methodologies.
As a consultant for Chinese environmental and spatial development projects, I successfully integrated innovative new technologies. I also had the opportunity to collaborate on a research project in ecosystem services and digital visualization with ETH Zurich. In 2019, I received a Smart City Innovation Award for the “Smart Cell” concept. At ZHAW, I gained valuable insights in sustainability indexing, which inspired me to develop the «Happiness Model» and, based on it, the «HappyApp» — an incentive mechanism in site management that promotes sustainable behavior.
The topic of happiness has long been central to my life. In Buddhist meditation, for example, the practice is about letting go of everything that disturbs us — what remains is pure happiness. Today, I feel an increasing calling to share this happiness with others. I pursue this through my work as a meditation teacher, singing teacher, and business and leadership coach. In my approach, successful coaching creates a win-win situation in which all participants and stakeholders benefit.
Today, it is more important than ever to act and experiment directly, rather than merely planning for the future or speaking about love and happiness. In today’s world, it is also becoming increasingly important that we work with each other, not against each other. In this spirit, I no longer describe my work as “future and happiness research,” but rather as future and happiness work.