Application deadline: October 30, 2025
IED Torino is launching a new Master’s Program in Social Ecological Design, starting in November 2025.
The 16-month program integrates critical theory and generative material practices with design experience in real-world contexts across Italy—Turin, Sicily, Tuscany and the Alps.
For too long, design has unquestioningly served the whims of the market, dubious ideologies or the empty promises of progress through technological change. This immersive and experimental Master’s degree in Social Ecological Design offers a radical alternative—one that reimagines design as an act of care. We approach design as a transformative practice that fosters deep, respectful connections between humans, communities and ecosystems. For us, design is not just a tool but a regenerative practice woven into everyday life, actively engaging with the complex interplay of our social, material, and ecological systems.
Through deep critical analysis and direct engagement with communities and ecosystems, students will develop a versatile skill set—including biomimicry, cultural activism, multispecies thinking, creative ethnography, systems analysis, inclusive design and much more—while working closely with local stakeholders, designers, experts and peers.
By creating the conditions and fostering the courage for new forms of social and ecological collaboration, the program cultivates designers to confront today’s complex challenges and navigate uncertain futures.
Specifics
Class work: Regular courses, workshops and guest lectures will include experts from a variety of fields, including design, art, activism, biology, theatre, economics and social anthropology. This will often involve working in small groups.
Individual work: Students will be allocated a mentor who will closely follow the development of their practice and personal trajectory. This will include thesis research and project development.
Field work: Students will situate their knowledge through real-world experience, embedded within a variety of communities and contexts.
Torino: Urban Lab (three months) / Tuscan: eco-bootcamp (two weeks) / Alpine: off-grid (one week) / Palermo: community co-production (five weeks) / Alicudi: marginalised spaces (one week) / Internship: placement (two months).
For whom: We are looking for students who are driven to make a difference—who refuse to accept the world as it is and are determined to change it. We welcome students from ALL backgrounds. However, since we use design as the medium for social and ecological change, applicants should be materially oriented or interested in developing maker-based skills.
Language: English. Scholarships are available for a limited number of students.
Faculty
The program is run by a collective of five experts in their fields: Michael Kaethler (Theory and Method/Scientific Coordinator), Anna Maria Orrù (Design Ecology), Zeno Franchini (Social Practice), Francesca Gattello (Social Practice), Adrian Vickery Hill (Process Design).
Lecturers
Federica Natalia Rosati, Alexandra D’Onofrio, Mauro Filippi, David Bassuk, Emílio Brandão, David Liver, Andrea García Portolés, orizzontale, Leonardo Mastromauro, Bettina Schwalm, Jordan Valentin Lane, Brigida Marovelli, POST DISASTER, Fredrik Moberg, Lucia Babina, Gabriel Fontana, Vivien Tauchmann, Laurens Van der Cruyssen
For further information and application details contact Valeria Venere at v.venere [at] ied.it. For content or pedagogical related questions contact the scientific coordinator Michael Kaethler at m.kaethler [at] ied.it.