Light and Color Culture and Human Experience

Course

Light is an immaterial material. It can structure spaces, shape identity, and enhance environmental quality. To define coherent visual scenarios, perceptual qualities, and expressive languages, the relationship between light and color must be examined and designed. This is the goal of the Specializing Master in Light and Color Culture and Human Experience. The program trains highly qualified professionals in the field of lighting design, such as Human Light Designers, Consultants in Lighting Design and Visual Environment Design, Curators of lighting installations and artistic projects, and more. Students gain competencies spanning design culture, visual perception, lighting technology, color culture, and the study of surfaces. Particular attention is given to color as both a design and cultural tool, exploring theoretical, perceptual, and applied dimensions, as well as in dynamic interaction with natural and artificial light. The Specializing Master combines a theoretical-critical approach, laboratory experimentation, and applied design practice. The first part of the program takes place online, while the second part is held in person.

Some of the topics explored include:

• The essence, experience, and language of light and color
• Light and color in living spaces, landscapes, and open spaces
• The measurement of light and the scientific understanding of light and color
• Design thinking applied to light and color

Didactics

Training objectives

Through the Specializing Master, students build skills that range from understanding design culture to how we perceive visual phenomena, how we use light, how colors function, and how we enhance surfaces. Here are the training objectives:

• To develop advanced knowledge of light’s physical, perceptual, and cultural bases, with a focus on color theories, light–matter interaction, chromatic perception, and the sensory and symbolic interpretation of illuminated spaces
• To gain design skills in integrating light, color, and surfaces by studying relationships between color temperature and rendering, materials reflectance, finishes, and tactile qualities, in order to construct coherent spatial configurations
• To acquire skills in measuring and evaluating lighting performance through photometric and colorimetric analysis, simulations, and control procedures, focusing on consistency with design objectives, perceptual quality and visual well-being
• To build critical autonomy in creating concepts that integrate light and color to shape identity, hierarchy, spatial rhythm, and overall experience
• To operate in architecture, interiors, public spaces, and installations by combining color knowledge with the use of natural and artificial light across different materials and environments.

Didactic Modules

The first part of the program takes place online, while the second part is held in person. By the end of the program, students will take part in an internship or develop a professional project. Attendance of 75% of activities is mandatory.

Module 1 | Hours: 35
The Essence of Light and Color and Their Meaning in Reality

Module 2 | Hours: 30
The Human Experience of Light and Color

Module 3 | Hours: 25
The Language of Light and Color

Module 4 | Hours: 25
Light and Color as a Form of Representation

Module 5 | Hours: 25
Light and Color Between Science and Knowledge

Module 6 | Hours: 40
Light and Color in Living Spaces

Module 7 | Hours: 40
Light and Color in Landscapes and Open Spaces

Module 8 | Hours: 35
Light and Color as Artistic Expressions

Module 9 | Hours: 35
The Measurement of Light

Module 10 | Hours: 35
The Design Thinking of Light and Color

Module 11 | Hours: 105
Project Works

Title Released

At the end of the program, once the final examination has been passed, the 1st level Specializing Master “Light and Color Culture and Human Experience” diploma will be issued with the related achievement of 60 ECTS.

Employment Opportunities

At the end of the Master, students will be able to pursue career paths within or in collaboration with design studios and companies. The program prepares professionals to work as:

• Human Light Designer
• Consultant in Lighting Design and Visual Environment Design
• Lighting Specialist for architecture and design firms
• Designer for companies in the lighting sector
• Curator of lighting installations and artistic projects

Admission

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree (or equivalent), or a First or Second Level Academic Diploma are required to be admitted. Foreign qualifications that are equivalent within their respective education systems will also be considered valid. Selection will be carried out by the Scientific Committee.

Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, according to the chronological order in which applications are submitted, until all available places are filled. Knowledge of 2D and 3D design software will be assessed.

Price

The cost of the Specializing Master is €13.500 broken down as follows:

• €500 – Politecnico di Milano enrolment fee
• €13.000 – attendance fee

PROMO

EARLY BIRD MASTER: -15%, -10%, -1000€
The promo for those who know exactly what they want and don’t want to lose time. The earlier you enroll, the greater the discount: 15%, 10%, or €1000, until all available spots are filled.

FAMILY SUPPORT: -50%
A chance to gift your siblings the encouragement they need to invest in their future.

POLI.NETWORK: -50%
A promotion designed to strengthen the bond and identity among members of the Politecnico di Milano community.

FRIEND TO FRIEND: -20%
An opportunity to gift to a friend to make education the foundation of their growth.

BACK TO SCHOOL: -1.000€ on Specializing Masters
The discount for those who have already trusted POLI.design and Polimi, and wish to return to study and build their future.

SUPPLIERS
A promotion for those who collaborate or have collaborated with POLI.design. Our way to say thanks and share knowledge.

Faculty

Scientific Director
Mario Bisson

Vice-director
Francesco Murano

Coordinator
Stefania Palmieri