IED – Istituto Europeo di Design Milan

Italian Contemporary Design and Trends - Spring Semester

This Course is Held in the English Language.

Contemporary design encompasses the present, pulling current trends; it is always evolving due in part to the availability of (new) materials and pieces.

The aim of the Italian Contemporary Design and Trends Spring Semester is to enrich you with cultural knowledge of contemporary design as well as contemporary art. This allows you to have an overview of the new trends in terms of art, furniture, and interior design, as well as learn more about contemporary artists and designers and the different techniques, materials, and tools they use when realizing their artworks.

The program will also offer you a practical study of the Italian design system from the management and design methodology perspective. New trends in furniture, various types of houses, different lifestyles, es, and people's needs and desires will be analyzed from a practical and emotional point of view.

Throughout the semester you will be engaged in developing technical and critical skills in the classroom and inside the main trade fairs that highlight the Italian design experience.

Schedule: Lessons run from Monday to Friday, full time

Target: This course is designed for students directly out of high school, or mature students who are ready for a career change or to build on the skills they have. A basic knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator commands is requested.

Structure and methodology: The first part of the course will allow you to understand the Italian design system, focusing mainly on furniture design. At the same time, you will acquire the tools and the methods necessary to analyze a specific collection of a specific brand, through the use of colors, materials, ls, and finishings.

The course is structured around the major international trade shows including the Salone del Mobil Furniture Showow in Milan and the Design Week, Salone Satellite, Euroluce, International Bathroom Exhibition, and the International Home Furnishings Expo.

Thanks to the basic knowledge acquired at the beginning of the course, you will be able to do an analytical experience on the field during the Milano DesigWeekek and individuate the main trends in the furniture field. This will be the starting point to work on a proposal for a new collection for a “Made in Italy” brand.

During the course, you will develop technical skills that will allow you to translate your ideation into a professional presentation for a client.