Specializing Master in Designing Atmospheres
Milan, Italy
DURATION
12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
20 Aug 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
20 Oct 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 15,500 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EU citizens | EU/non-EU graduate in italy/ EU citizens with qualification abroad: sept 20, 2025
** €500 registration fee to the politecnico di milano
Introduction
The digital revolution has introduced new technologies, but also new ways of living, different behaviours and new timeframes. This necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of space design, not only from a functional and typological perspective but also from a perceptual and emotional one. In these ever-changing scenarios, designers and planners must be able to both leverage new technologies and apply sensory paradigms. The Master’s in Designing Atmospheres – Next skills and qualities for spaces and interiors focuses on these aspects and equips students with the skills to redefine the essence of spaces and manage atmosphere design through to implementation.
The program aims to provide tools that go beyond traditional interior design, expanding the very definition of Spatial Designer. By integrating behavioural and environmental psychology, it trains professionals to create experiences and places that evolve through their relationships with people. Students also develop expertise in client management, project communication, and the application of new technologies in design.
The Master’s runs for twelve months and includes:
- Online theoretical lessons on core design themes and new atmosphere design paradigms
- Field exercises with companies and design studios focusing on process and project innovation
- Workshops led by world-renowned professionals in departmental labs and centres of excellence
- Study tours across Italian and international design networks to explore the founding institutions and cultural hubs of atmosphere design
- International competitions and challenges to test skills on real-world projects
- Learning experiences connected to Milan Design Week
- Internships with professional studios and internationally recognized companies
POLI.design Open Days 2025
May 20th-21st-22nd
Admissions
Curriculum
Didactic Modules
The twelve-month program features online theoretical lessons and in-person activities on weekdays, complemented by a 500-hour internship to complete the Master’s.
Module 1 | Hours: 16 - Designing Atmospheres: theoretical framework
Students explore the fundamentals of Atmospheres Design through theoretical and practical approaches, identifying the key disciplines, figures and strategies that shape this field.
Module 2 | Hours: 40 - People: communities and places
Students discover disciplines and approaches that examine human presence and perception in environments, distinguishing various observational perspectives to incorporate into Atmospheres Design projects.
Module 3 | Hours: 40 - Concept: identities and voices
Students learn to define, construct and communicate the meaning of identity in all its complexity, expressing it through atmosphere design qualities while harmonizing with the nature of the project location.
Module 4 | Hours: 80 - Space/Time-Based Design: analogue and digital
Students interpret project dynamics, defining duration and temporal placement while considering flows, movements, and the interplay between physical and digital stimuli in designed environments.
Module 5 | Hours: 80 - Sense_based Design: perception and technologies
Students build human environmental experiences by combining physical and sensory stimuli with technologies that support and enhance perception.
Module 6 | Hours: 16 - Execution: protocols and regulations
Students learn about legislative and bureaucratic requirements for Atmospheres Design projects, understanding implementation phases, timelines, priorities and potential risks, including project failures.
Module 7 | Hours: 32 - Communication: media networks and strategies
Students recognize effective communication strategies for Atmospheres Design projects, facilitating promotion, dissemination and development through networks and key platforms.
Module 8 | Hours: 40 - Ephermal: exhibitions, events and fairs
Students apply Atmospheres Design principles to spaces with appropriate methods and technologies for environments limited in space and time. This module will be condensed into a small period and will connect with Milan Design Week events.
Module 9 | Hours: 16 - Guidance: management and economics
Students learn to evaluate project feasibility, including economic, management and administrative factors, and manage client relationships throughout the Atmospheres Design project lifecycle.
Module 10 | Hours: 40 - Workshop
Students apply Atmospheres Design principles through experimental approaches based on contemporary real-world design briefs and timelines. This intensive course is led by internationally acclaimed designers.
Program Outcome
Training objectives
The Master’s in Designing Atmospheres trains professionals to conceive and manage projects that create atmospheres for retail and hospitality spaces, museums and exhibitions, events, architecture and interiors. The program builds awareness of new sensory paradigms and the design of temporal dimensions in which environments exist and transform. Key objectives include:
- Developing sensitivity and expertise in designing atmospheres that blend light, colour, materials, finishes, smells and sounds.
- Gaining knowledge to select and implement technologies that produce immersive spatial atmospheres
- Understanding the fundamentals of environmental and behavioural psychology to create atmospheres that enhance well-being.
- Adopting interdisciplinary approaches to collaborate with architects, sound designers, visual artists, and marketing experts.
- Building the ability to convey brand storytelling and values through atmospheres that communicate, evoke emotion and foster inclusion.
Title Released
At the end of the programme, once the final examination has been passed, the 1st level Specializing Master “Designing Atmospheres” diploma will be issued with the related achievement of 60 CFU/ECTS.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The Master’s prepares graduates for emerging professional roles increasingly sought after in the market, expanding the traditional Spatial Designer profile with distinctive skills beyond conventional interior design. Graduates gain tools and methods essential for developing strategic visions, managing atmosphere design, communicating project identity and narrative, and engaging effectively with clients, users, contractors and real estate professionals.
Faculty
English Language Requirements
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