Master in Social Ecological Design - IED Turin

The Master’s in Social Ecological Design: Regenerative Practices for Everyday Life offers an experimental alternative to conventional design education. It combines critical theory with creative practice to address urgent social and ecological challenges. Rooted in DesignXCommons, the programme focuses on care, regeneration, and collaboration with human and more-than-human communities.

Learning occurs mainly outside the classroom through immersive fieldwork in Sicily, Tuscany, and Piedmont. Students collaborate with local communities, ecosystems, craftspeople, and experts, gaining skills in biomimicry, systems thinking, cultural ethnography, inclusive design, and creative activism.

The 16-month programme has three phases. It starts with theoretical foundations in Turin and an Alpine experience. The second combines theory and fieldwork through urban studios and residencies. The final phase involves fieldwork in Sicily, an internship, and a thesis, with each student supported by a mentor.

The course awards 80 ECTS and prepares graduates to drive meaningful social and ecological transformation across diverse professional contexts.