Designing Atmospheres

Course

The digital revolution has introduced new technologies, but also new ways of living, different behaviors 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 atmospheres 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 behavioral and environmental psychology, it trains professionals to create experiences and places that evolve through their relationship 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 Atmospheres 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 centers 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

Testimonials

Didactics

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, color, materials, finishes, smells and sounds
• Gaining knowledge to select and implement technologies that produce immersive spatial atmospheres
• Understanding the fundamentals of environmental and behavioral psychology to create atmospheres that enhance wellbeing
• 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

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 Atmospheres Design qualities while harmonizing with the nature of the project location.

Module 4 | Hours: 80

SPACE/TIME_BASED DESIGN: analog 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

EPHEMERAL: 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.

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.

Employment 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.

Admission

Requirements

The Master’s welcomes candidates with a University Diploma or Degree (both old and new systems) in Architecture, Engineering or Industrial Design, as well as those with equivalent qualifications. For international applicants, comparable qualifications in their respective education systems will be considered. Proficiency in English is required.

Deadlines

To take part in the I edition of the Specializing Master in Designing Atmospheres, starting on October 26th, 2026, applications must be submitted according to the following criteria*:

Italian qualification within 60 days before the starting date

STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design

• Curriculum vitae
• Portfolio
• Motivation letter
• Copy of ID document
• Other

The following documents should be uploaded on this page

2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico

• ID document copy
• Copy of the Diploma Supplement and copy of the degree diploma or self-certification on the appropriate form that can be requested to POLI.design (selezioni@polidesign.net)
• ANIS certification (access to the ANIS portal is via SPID or CIE from the following link)

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
____________________

European qualification within 60 days before the starting date

STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design

• Curriculum vitae
• Portfolio
• Motivation Letter
• Copy of ID document

The following documents should be uploaded on this page

2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico

• Copy of ID document
• Copy of Diploma Supplement
• Photocopy of degree certificate

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link

STEP 2
1) Documents to be sent for authenticity verification (within 45 days before the start date) 

• Diploma Supplement with a digital signature or verifiable QR code. Should the student lack a Diploma Supplement with a valid signature or verifiable QR code to verify its authenticity, the student will have to submit one of the documents required for students with a non-EU qualification (cfr. next item).

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link
____________________

Non-EU degree within 60 days before the start date

STEP 1
1) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to POLI.design

• Curriculum vitae
• Portfolio
• Motivation Letter
• Copy of ID document

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page

2) Documents to be sent for preliminary verification to Politecnico

• Copy of ID document
• Degree in original language + Italian/English translation
• Original transcript of passed examinations + Italian/English translation

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link

STEP 2
1) Documents to be sent for authenticity verification (within 45 days before the start date) 

• Enic/ Naric Certification or CIMEA 
• World Education Services (WES) Certification 
• Statement of value 
• Copy of the visa application or copy of the visa

According to the timeframe provided for by Italian law, the details of the application for a residency permit must also be communicated as well as the residency permit as soon as it is issued.

The following documents are to be uploaded on this page by following the instructions at this link

*Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered at the discretion of the Scientific Committee.

Price

The cost of the University Specializing Master’s programme is € 15,500 broken down as follows:

• € 500,00 – enrolment fee to be paid to the Politecnico di Milano, no later than 30 days before the starting date following the procedures that POLI.design will specify;
• € 15.000 – participation fee for the University Master’s Course to be paid to POLI.design following the procedures that will be specified upon admission.

PROMO

EARLY BIRD: -10%

The promotion for those who have clear ideas, know which educational path can enrich their future, and can’t wait to get back to the classroom.

The promotion applies until all spots are filled. The spots will be assigned in chronological order based on the order in which applications and payments are received.

The promotion can be combined with Back to School.

FAMILY SUPPORT: -50%

A chance to gift your siblings the encouragement they need to invest in their future. The promotion cannot be combined.

FRIEND TO FRIEND: -20%

An opportunity to gift to a friend to make education the foundation of their growth. The promotion cannot be combined.

POLI.NETWORK: -50%

A promotion designed to strengthen the bond and identity among members of the Politecnico di Milano community. The promotion cannot be combined.

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. The promotion can be combined with Early Bird.

SUPPLIERS

A 10% reduction to be applied on the participation fee (excluding registration fee or VAT) for suppliers and former suppliers of POLI.design. The promotion cannot be combined.*

*POLI.design reserves the right to verify the existence of the collaboration relationship.

PER MERITO

Intesa San Paolo supports talents and gives everyone access to training. Discover more details here

Faculty

Our teaching team brings together leading academics and researchers exploring new design frontiers alongside internationally acclaimed professionals whose experimental approaches have achieved recognized success in atmosphere design for spaces, installations and interiors.

Scientific Management

Scientific Director: Anna Barbara
Co-Director: Maria Porro
Scientific Coordinator: Barbara Camocini

Our Lecturers

Maria Porro | Set Designer & President of Salone del Mobile

David Howes | Founder of the Sensory Lab at Concordia University

Giuliana Bruno | Chair of Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University

teamLab | Art collective from Tokyo

Marco Balich | Creative Director of 16 Olympic Ceremonies & 13 Regional Games!

Ron Gilad | Lighting Design Master

Philippe Rahm | Artist of climatic atmospheres

Lonneke Gordijn | (Studio Drift) Internationally renowned for choreographic sculptures and kinetic installations

Mirelle Phillips | (Studio Elsewhere) Pioneer in bio-experiential design

Elisa Veronelli | (Cooperativa Itaca)  Expert in the therapeutic application of sensory spaces

Baker Bloodworth | American film producer who worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios

Giovanni Urso | (Invitalia) Facility Manager for the Italy Pavilion at Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka

Emanuela Zilio | (Digital Distillery) Project Manager and expert in new media languages