Master of Arts in Transportation and Car Design

The work of the car designer blends creative design and automotive styling skills with elements of engineering, ergonomics and marketing. At SPD designers are able to face complex projects using a multidisciplinary approach. They are called on to envision progressive transportation concepts that fit a future scenario where cars are no more the unrivalled player.

Features

The Master programme embraces the entire design development process by researching new experiential concepts, redefining architectural solutions and moving forward with new criteria for comfort and efficiency. Today’s design paradigm must be brought into question in order to better interpret new aesthetic and social trends. The studio projects, organized in collaboration with major car companies, represent a proving ground to test the students’ ideas.

In particular, SPD has signed a long term educational partnership with Volkswagen Group Design involving the participation of designers from the various brands – from Audi to Lamborghini – into the teaching activities. After the initial exploration, students move forward into design concepts and their refinement up to both physical and digital modelling.

It’s a long process that demands a high level of personal commitment and flexibility, organizational and time management skills as well as a strong attitude to teamwork. Projects are subject to group critiques and critiques with outsider reviewers. Transportation designers thus acquire a constant spur to innovation both in form language and function, allied with the understanding of engineering and production processes.

Duration

The Master lasts two academic years, starting in January 2025. Attendance is compulsory and full time.

Language

The Master’s course is held in English.

Scuola Politecnica di Design SPD

A creative workshop for discovery, understanding, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Founded in 1954, SPD is the very first school in Italy for communication and design disciplines. Over the decades, it has been instrumental in shaping and nurturing the evolution of Italian design into its current form. The visionary artist Nino di Salvatore established SPD in 1954, leveraging his skills as a painter and sculptor to bring together artists, designers, professionals, and students from across five different continents. Eminent figures such as Bruno Munari, Gio Ponti, Max Huber, Pino Tovaglia, and Isao Hosoe have graced its halls as educators, with Achille Castiglioni, Rodolfo Bonetto, Roberto Sambonet, Donald Norman, and Arnaldo Pomodoro among its distinguished guests.

Presently, SPD continues to foster talent, collaborating with emerging designers and engaging in practical projects, guided by industry luminaries such as Piero Lissoni, Stefano Giovannoni, Denis Santachiara, and Andrea Branzi.

In the vibrant city of Milan, renowned as the design capital, SPD offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs. With 70 years of experience in the field, our courses encompass a diverse spectrum, spanning from product design to interior design, and from communication design to digital design. Our teaching approach is characterized by personalized guidance within an intimate learning environment that facilitates close interaction with our esteemed faculty and staff. Our study programs are distinguished by their strong emphasis on real-world projects, fostering close collaboration with industry professionals and companies.