IDI International: the department of the Italian Design Institute that teaches the world about design
Italian
From Japanese Zen minimalism to the vibrant colours and geometric patterns of Africa, from the
Scandinavian functionality to South American ancient-modern fusion. The multifaceted world of art, design and fashion thrives on contaminations, now more than ever. Not only disciplinary contaminations - such as architecture borrowing from biology or physics - but also cultural contaminations. In a hyper-connected society with increasingly 'liquid' borders, today it is central to be worker-citizens of the world, ready to absorb different suggestions and methodologies, to confront new markets and unprecedented challenges, to collaborate with professionals of different nationalities.
It is no coincidence that today an international background is one of the most attractive items on an aspiring candidate's CV. In order to meet these demands, over the last ten years the number of courses offered entirely in foreign languages by Italian universities has grown from a few dozen to over 600. Milan, Rome, Bologna and Turin in particular have seen international programmes flourish in various fields, including design.
The new reality of IDI International, the international department of the Italian Design Institute. A project born with a precise mission: to train global creatives and promote the excellence of Made in Italy in the world. Because yes, Italian design is much more than a recognisable style. It is a way of thinking, of solving problems, of shaping beauty with functionality and vision. And this approach - made of culture, research, taste and attention to detail - is one of the most globally appreciated values.
Cosmopolitan design, from someone who does it for a living and has made an art of it
The signatures of Pininfarina, Castiglioni, Aulenti, are recognisable and represent excellence. IDI International was created precisely with the aim of enhancing and bringing this identity into dialogue with the international scene. The department proposes flagship programmes, such as the Master in Interior Design and the Master in Interior Yacht Designdelivered in English and Spanish. Students are also offered the opportunity to carry out a period of internship in Italyguaranteeing a valuable immersion in the culture and know-how of the Bel Paese.
Internship opportunities provide privileged access to some of Italy's most prestigious companies, a direct and practical experience that is fundamental for professional growth. The purpose of the IDI international department is not exporting a product, but a set of values: the centrality of man in design, beauty that is never an end in itself, the ability to make form and function coexist. And again, the ethics of doing good, attention to sustainability, the vision of design as a universal language. In this sense, IDI International is a cultural bridge, connecting schools, companies, teachers and students from all over the world. It is an open ecosystem where talent is cultivated and the future of design is built, without losing sight of its roots.
The future is global, but with a local soul
In an ever-changing industry, the ability to think internationally is crucial. But it is equally important to have a solid identity to bring into that dialogue. Made in Italy is not just a label, but a heritage to be interpreted, enriched and reinvented through new eyes and new experiences. With IDI International, each student not only acquires skills, but becomes an ambassador of a way of designing that focuses on elegance, quality and creative intelligence.
Design that knows how to excite, but also responds to the complex needs of contemporaneity. The future of design has no boundaries, but it can and must have an Italian signature.
