Italian Design: 1945-2027

The course traces the extraordinary and varied development of Italian design from 1945 to the present day, in light of the relevant historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors. It examines the most emblematic case studies in design history across its many forms — from product design to furniture, from engineering to corporate design, from editorial graphics to the most recent crossovers with other disciplines.

The first part of the course focuses on the work of renowned designers (Gio Ponti, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Franco Albini, Marcello Nizzoli, Marco Zanuso, Vico Magistretti, Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini, Carlo Mollino, Umberto Riva, Riccardo Dalisi, and others), as well as key companies and institutions. Through these, the course addresses themes such as the relationship between form and function, the legacy and critique of the modern project, the ties between design, art and architecture, standardization and craft, the experimentation with new materials, and social transformation.

The final part of the course turns to questions and challenges emerging in recent design practice and theory: the dissolution of the object, sustainability, and the growing convergence of design with contemporary art and fashion, among others.

The course includes guest lectures and a study trip to Milan to visit some of the key sites of Italian design.

The course aims to provide students with a body of knowledge on the history of design — Italian but not exclusively — that is both complementary and essential to the education of the "generalist" architect promoted by the Accademia di architettura. The course adopts a cross-disciplinary approach, enabling students to develop a critical perspective that connects historical developments with the analysis of contemporary design.

• Industry, innovation and infrastructure

In presence

80% Lectures
10% Seminars
10% Site visits (day trips, no overnight stay)

Paper or curatorial project