Roberta Spano / Dorothe Zimmermann

Roberta Spano and Dorothe Zimmermann are historians and responsible for the ETH Library’s collection of scientific instruments and teaching materials.

The ETH wind tunnel: small models, major discoveries

Roberta Spano / Dorothe Zimmermann 15.09.2026 From airplanes to wings and skyscrapers: historic scientific discoveries were made in the wind and supersonic tunnels of ETH Zurich during the 1930s. Models used for teaching and research in the two tunnels serve as reminders of a pioneering spirit, military requirements and unrealised dreams.