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

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.

The formal evaluation of the study title eligibility is by Politecnico di Milano. As a consequence the formal application should be done on the website www.polimi.it (the steps are described in the following weblink).

In particular, the steps that you will have to follow are those mentioned from page 1 to page 8 (by clicking on the following link you will find yourself directly in the same page shown on guidelines).

Deadlines

To participate in the selections you must fill out the online application form by the following deadlines:

• EU/ Non-EU who graduated in Italy / EU citizens with qualification gained abroad by September 20th, 2025;

• Non-EU citizens who graduated abroad by August 20th, 2025.

Price

The Master’s program costs €15,500 (€15,000 for tuition plus €500 registration fee to the Politecnico di Milano). VAT exempt under Art. 10 DPR 633/72.

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.

Deadline application: within May 05, 2025
Deadline for sending the signed contract and payment of the deposit of the participation fee: within May 19, 2025

FAMILY SUPPORT: -50%

A chance to gift your siblings the encouragement they need to invest in their future.

FRIEND TO FRIEND: -20%

An opportunity to gift to a friend to make education the foundation of their growth.

POLI.NETWORK: -50%

A promotion designed to strengthen the bond and identity among members of the Politecnico di Milano community.

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.

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

Vice Director: Maria Porro

Scientific Coordinator: Barbara Camocini