Master in Accessroies Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
The evolution of the Fashion System demands for the designers not only to be able to design collections, but also to be professional characters with growing multi-disciplinary competences, capable of managing and communicating with the various sectors involved. Today the fashion designer needs to be manager and art-director at the same time, and must be able to manage the project up to the product, the communication and the retail aspects.
Only in Italy and only in Milan it is possible to study at the centre of a Fashion System that is unique in the world and internationally recognized; Where the creativity of the fashion designers integrates with the production capacity, with the quality of fabrics and confection, with entrepreneurial abilities as well as with retail and communication innovations, allowing a direct contact with this world, its protagonists and events.

Master in Business Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
In Design driven firms, managers must be able to combine managerial skills, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, within a perspective able to embrace at the same time design and production, tradition and innovation, reality and vision, everyday life and future. The modern manager is a figure that gets trained and thrives in a border area where designers, managers and entrepreneurs, experts in enterprise and corporate organizations, in information technology, communication, marketing, contribute to the creation of new operative codes and a new strategic language for the companies and the market.

Master in Car Desing & Mobility
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
The Design department of Domus Academy arises from the awareness that today the design world needs more complex design solutions, able to integrate different disciplines and particular research perspectives, in order to properly answer to the current vision of the global and delocalized production world.
Designing, producing, promoting and marketing a product or a service in the post-industrial society of information, requires designers with very specific skills, able to dialogue with different players and to handle the market following non-conventional rules.

Master in Fashion Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
The evolution of the Fashion System demands for the designers not only to be able to design collections, but also to be professional characters with growing multi-disciplinary competences, capable of managing and communicating with the various sectors involved. Today the fashion designer needs to be manager and art-director at the same time, and must be able to manage the project up to the product, the communication and the retail aspects.
Only in Italy and only in Milan it is possible to study at the centre of a Fashion System that is unique in the world and internationally recognized; where the creativity of the fashion designers integrates with the production capacity, with the quality of fabrics and confection, with entrepreneurial abilities as well as with retail and communication innovations, allowing a direct contact with this world, its protagonists and events.

Master in Interaction Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
Designing, producing, promoting and marketing a product or a service in the post-industrial society of information, requires designers with very specific skills, able to dialogue with different players and to handle the market following non-conventional rules.

Master in Interior And living Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
The Department was born with the objective to work on the whole universe of urban experience. In this perspective, the department has created a training project of excellence able to reflect on the changes and transformations of the built space, promoting a permanent research activity for design models and solutions that are appropriate and innovative.

Master in Product Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
Nowadays, skilled designers can make it in the design world of the post-industrial and information era only if endorsed by a complex and sophisticated professionalism, which can autonomously master very dynamic and multi-disciplinary competences. A designer’s activity in fact, doesn’t only involve the design and production of a service or a product, but it implies its promotion and marketing, as well as the aptitude to keep a constant dialogue with different actors and the handling of market rules which are often unconventional.

Master in Urban Management And Architectural Design
Validated and awarded by the University of Wales
The Department was born with the objective to work on the whole universe of urban experience. In this perspective, the department has created a training project of excellence able to reflect on the changes and transformations of the built space, promoting a permanent research activity for design models and solutions that are appropriate and innovative.

Founded by a group of artists who graduated from the Art Academy of Florence, Accademia d’Arte AD’A, offers courses in art and culture for a wide variety of students, both foreign and Italian, who are interested in understanding and, or, deepening their knowledge of specific artistic disciplines.

Accademia d’Arte AD’A is open year-round and is located in the historic center of Florence which is home to many important museums and a place of study for artists from all over the world.

The courses are composed of lectures by visiting artists, museum visits and lessons taught by professional artists. The faculty of Accademia d’Arte ADA strive to facilitate the comprehension and insertion of students into the variegated art world.

The length of the courses vary and is determined by the possible length of stay of the students interested in specific programs.

In addition to its academic curricula, Accademia d’Arte AD’A offers services which are especially helpful for foreign students including various types of housing arrangements, an extracurricular program with both cultural and recreational activities and other services to ensure that the students’ period of study is both interesting and profitable.


 

Ancient painting techniques   

The course introduces to the students the painting techniques practised between 1300 and 1500; also the study of the major works of the period from Giotto to Leonardo and Michelangelo. The knowledge gained will be put into practice by the copying of two paintings in order that the student may learn the fundamental techniques used; such as egg tempera, gold leaf, up to an including oil colours. The entire process for the realization of complete paintings will be put into practice, from the preparation of the supports to the final glazing.

The theoretical part of this course envisages the introduction to the painting techniques from 1300 to 1500 by the reading of the "Libro dell'arte" (Book of Art) of Cennino Cennini, 14th painter and theoretician and also lessons in base material, preparation of gesso, the composition of colours and paints. 

The practical part starts with the preparation of the base material and finishes with the completion of a copy. A series of conferences and guided visits to museums will round off the course.

Contemporary painting   

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the use of new art languages by the study of new materials and contemporary art techniques.

In the theoretical part, besides dealing with the historical and aesthetic aspects of visual perception, through works of critics, philosophers (Gombrich and Arnheim) and artists (Klee, Kandinsky) we introduce students to the artistic avant garde from the early 20th century until the latest trends, until the point is reached where the student can analyze the newest materials available and the new technologies for base materials, the composition of artistic colours and industrial colours. 

In the practical part of the course, from the study and use of base materials ( canvas, wood, metals, plastic materials) , traditional and industrial colours, the student is introduced to the use of mixed techniques, such as sponging, printing,natural and industrial materials, with the aim of encouraging the development of a personal language.

Photography 

The aim of this course is to transmit the techniques necessary to solve the problems of the image by studying the main specialities of photography, such as "photoreportage" , still life, landscape, the portrait, the reproduction of works of art, fashion and artistic photography, thereby enabling the student to develop a personal style and an individuality., thus preparing him for the profession.

The course caters for two levels, basic and advanced.

Amongst the themes which will be developed in the Basic Course are:- the initial use of the camera (diaphragm, timing, depth), framing ( composition and perspective), use of natural light, interiors and exteriors , and the different types of film. 

Amongst the themes developed in the advanced course are:- depth of field, the controls and the effects of natural light, the techniques of artificial illumination, flash, use of a set of lenses, the dark room, and colour. Both these courses are reinforced by history lectures and analysis of photography.
      
Drawing 

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the use of various materials such as charcoal and "sanguigna" in order to enable him to recognize form and graphite ( pencil) in order to deepen his work by the technique of chiaroscuro. 
These techniques will be put into practice by studying the forms of still life and of live models. During the course, pen and ink will be utilized and the use of colour will be introduced by the addition of pencils, chalks and pastels.

The course includes theory and a series of interesting visits to museums and collections of drawings and graphics.
       
Art History  

The course consist in a route through the artistic movements from Middle Age to Nineteen century.
A particular reference will be done at the artists of the florentine school, from Giotto to Masaccio, from Leonardo to Michelangelo and Raffaello, until Fattori and Signorini, contemporaries of French impressionists.
The course will be integrated by visits in museums, where will be possible to admire the masterpieces   


Etching  

During the course the teacher will furnish the basis of the most known etching techniques and the printmaking.
The printing is the result of an impression.
This is what distinguish an etching from a drawing or a painting. It's also the reason you can reproduce the printing in more exemplary.
There are various materials for etching and various are the techniques: from dry point on zinc to acquaforte on copper until xylograph on wood (xylem=wood).

Sculpture  

This course allows the student to choose between a wide variety of techniques and media, including clay modelling, marble sculpture and wood cut.
According to the student’s level of study and course selection, the student may choose to concentrate on a specific technique or may choose to diversify techniques and materials.
 At the beginning of the course there will be an introduction to functional drawing for sculpture used in connection with the various techniques.

Fashion Design 

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the world of fashion. Following an initial project in which they research visual materials, the students will design their own personal collection.
Close attention will be given to the sketches for designs of accessories, purses, backpacks and shoes, as well as to the overall presentation of collection plans.
The students must realize a prototype, they will be introduced to various techniques of artisan and industrial production of myriad items of clothing and accessories. In addition, the students will study the different typologies of materials used in production. 
     
Ceramic

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the use of the fundamental techniques of the ceramic manufacturing, such as the bas-relief and the three-dimensional techniques; to the study and execution of the different painting and decoration techniques of the ceramic, besides to the analysis of the composition with the different kinds of the ceramic mixing.

With the knowledge acquired during the course, the student shall have the basis to create autonomous pieces that stimulate their own creativity and the personal style, combining together different techniques.

The theoretical and practical development of the lessons will be held with by bibliographic texts, photographies, visits to the main museums of Florence and with the possible visits to some ceramic factories to observe the production process.

QUALITY DESIGN EDUCATION IN MILAN
NABA is an Academy of Arts and Design which was established in 1980 by a group of artists, among whom Guido Ballo, Gianni Colombo, Lucio Del Pezzo, Emilio Isgrò, Tito Varisco, Luigi Veronesi, who aimed at challenging the rigid academic tradition by introducing new visions and languages closer to contemporary artistic practice and the creative professions.

NABA education integrates the more traditional disciplines of visual representation with the new digital technologies and the critical-project culture of Italian Design.

The foundation of NABA educational philosophy lies in applying art to a project, in synthesizing creative and practical abilities and in reaching a perfect balance between critical methodological and technical-manual knowledge.

NABA training programs are based on a cross-disciplinary method aimed at developing artistic-professional skills and profiles in the fields of art, design, fashion, media and graphic design.

This approach derives from continuous experimentation, a strong vocation for research, a close relationship with the artistic and productive environment and a focus on the ethical dimension of education.

2009 SUMMER SESSION
NABA offers a wide choice of Summer Courses: Introduction, Intermediate (Studio Level) and Advanced Level courses.

The Summer Courses propose a wide and updated synthesis of NABA know-how, giving a view of the most significant trends of the market, of industrial creation processes, of artistic and social expression, of Design, Fashion, Graphic and Communication, together with the opportunity to experiment a topical project theme, under the guidance of renowned professionals and in cooperation with big companies.

Introduction Level Courses are intended for students without academic background on a specific subject area and offer a unique opportunity to explore a new creative environment. Students will learn from experienced and skilled professionals and will be taught how to research and present a creative idea. These courses will concentrate on experimentation within the creative design process.

Intermediate Level courses meet the needs of students with previous knowledge in that specific subject area who are keen on building upon this through an intensive and specialised training experience. Students will be immersed in a design environment simulating a professional studio, gaining profound insight into the technical components of the design process.

Advanced Level Courses are developed in collaboration with Accademia Teatro alla Scala and are intended for students attending their last years of University in the specific subject areas dealt with in the summer courses and for professionals in those specific fields who want to make a hands-on training experience in Italy.

Selected visits to museums, companies, production sites and design studios during the programs expose students to the creative and cultural environment in Italy

INTRODUCTION TO FASHION DESIGN
It's Global Cocktail Time!
... to be shaken, not stirred.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Using global influences and trends as a starting point, this course introduces fashion to beginners by showing them how to use a theme to produce and present work that will prepare them for further studies in the fashion field.
Art, crafts, culture and lifestyles from different ethnicities worldwide (Africa! India!) will be the ingredients to put together and shake up to create a small collection of coordinated clothes. Talks will be given during the course on Italy’s fashion system and on art related to the project. Students will also be sent to the best fashion zones in Milan and given lists of places to go and see out of lesson times.


INTRODUCTION TO FASHION STYLING
Editorial Fashion Styling. The image of a magazine and the related editorials.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course introduces a specific overview of the elements that have to be taken into account when putting together fashion items to attract media attention towards a fashion magazine and the related editorials. From media to final customers throughout image and concept look. Fashion Styling means creating a concept look that represents fashion dreams.

INTRODUCTION TO FASHION ACCESSORIES
Designing Contemporary Accessories. From architecture to shoe design.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Student teams will be formed for bags and shoes. Students can choose to work on a bag or a shoe project or on both of them.
At the first stage of the course special lectures will be delivered to provide the fundamentals of shoe design and bag design. The acquisition of technical skills will be part of the project. A collection will be developed with a professional teacher from Ars Sutoria (a traditional Italian shoe and bag craft school). A hand-made prototype will be created directly on the last day.

In the second stage of the course students will be given a topical trend theme on which they will conduct their research and that will be developed as a basis for their women's shoe collection or women's bag collection.

Students will be shown how to present and illustrate their ideas. A sketch book will be generated as part of the project and specific research on materials will be carried out. Students will visit a shoe and leather library where they will be given the opportunity to see and touch all kinds of accessory materials.

INTRODUCTION TO FASHION MARKETING
Conjugating creativity to management.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- The course will explore the fundaments of marketing and its techniques and activities as they are employed in the fashion business. The course will cover the following topics:
- Vision and mission; the fashion marketing environment, fashion product development and production, the relationship between company and markets, domestic and international; the marketing decision system, marketing research and information system.

- The fashion marketing mix, pricing policies and distribution channels, integrated marketing communication and promotion, net fashion; loyalty and fashion brand equity, fashion consumer behaviour.

- Auditing the organization and its environment; strategic and operative planning; selection of target markets, definition and segmentation; positioning, analysis of competition, competitive advantages and global /glocal marketing strategies

- The fashion marketing planning process, and the different approaches to planning; impact of internal and external environment on the decision-making process, the fashion marketing plan

- Periodic monitoring of plan, co-ordination of retail activities

INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
COURSE DESCRIPTION
With a focus on the contemporary visual surroundings we question its quality and reason. We explore the links between urban communication and graphic design through a mixture of theory and practice to inspire a ‘Totally Refreshing View’ of Milan.


INTRODUCTION TO INTERIOR DESIGN
Discovering the evolution of living space.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Lifestyle, art and design research in Milan is used to develop an interior space plan. Studio work and field trips foster the conceptual development of possible interior layouts resulting in one original interior space design.
Living spaces are the results of complex factors interacting together.

Measurable distances, material quality, density and colour, noise and rhythm all contribute to the identity of a place.

Going through each factor, one by one, is an artistic and professional experience on the deep nature of each isolated field.

Like in a chemistry lab, the students will be introduced through the analysis of the elements of Space, trying to comprehend the metamorphosis from the Void to the Full.

The aim of the course is mixing in a randomly scientific procedure the various components in order to recognize, through experimentation, the creation of different typologies and Space kinds

During the first phase students will be free to express their own research by means of any technique: hand drawing, digital graphics, movie, etc..

The contribution of digital media will help students to collect all the impressions and will become a real tool, capable of memorising and reproducing step by step a way to reprocess the knowledge gained during this experience.


INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN
Discovering the design process.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Market trend research, material sourcing in Italy and creativity are used to design a model. Working as a member of a team, students will create a concept and develop an original prototype design.
The course will introduce participants to the Culture of Project and Design of “Making-of … the art of doing”, in the sense of the Italian “Bottega” (a professional workshop led by an expert), similar - back to the past - to a real creative laboratory, following the way of learning adopted by Leonardo da Vinci typical of the historical Humanism in the Renaissance cultural movement in Italy, more than six centuries ago.

The course is divided into two main parts:

1. Creating a Personal Notebook.

The notebook will offer the chance to keep the memory and the elaboration of personal contents and the experience in the lab.

2. Create an Art-Design piece.

The active and creative experience of working with hard and soft materials in the AtelierFORTE workshop.

The course will enable students to get through the experience of working at “Bottega”; a full immersion activity with a mix of lessons, lab-experience and a team workshop.

“Andare a Bottega” (being trained in a professional workshop led by an expert), in the past was an extremely rare opportunity to share and hand down knowledge before the birth of Art Academies. The greatest artists of the Renaissance acquired their own knowledge through this “Bottega” experience. In this way young generations will have the opportunity to make this kind of experience and experiment this atmosphere.

In the workshop, participants will work together to produce a hand-made Art-Design piece. Working with hard and soft materials takes a relevant part of the experience.

In the beginning every participant will also produce a Personal Book with the aim of collecting all the impressions and personal notes about the experience. This hard paper work will become a real tool, capable of memorising and reproducing step by step a way to reprocess the knowledge gained throughout this experience.

 


INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Fashion Design Studio (developed in collaboration with Parsons Paris)

Lighting Design Studio (developed in collaboration with Accademia Teatro alla Scala)

Landscape architecture

 

ADVANCED LEVEL
Costume Decoration and Painting (developed in collaboration with Accademia Teatro alla Scala)