Metadesign and Interiors. Designers’ voices and approaches
Metadesign and Interiors. Designers’ voices and approaches
This course shares insights on metadesign through the experiences of professionals and explores potential forms and practices for "industrialising" interior design.
This MOOC takes you on a journey into the professional lives of leading architects and designers. They open the doors to their studios, offering a rare glimpse into the metadesign processes behind their spatial projects.
The course’s primary goal is to share insights through video interviews with professionals. These conversations explore the concept of metadesign, emphasising the replicability of design solutions in a sort of “industrialised” vision of interior design. Each expert shares their experience by showcasing exemplary projects that demonstrate how metadesign principles have been applied in real-world settings, which range from retail, exhibit, and hospitality projects to the urban space field.
This MOOC offers an opportunity to learn directly from professionals and industry masters, equipping you with the skills needed to address contemporary challenges in interior design. The course has been conceived and coordinated by Professors Luisa Collina, Laura Galluzzo, Agnese Rebaglio, and PhD Candidate Elisa Cinelli of the Department of Design.
Total workload of the course: 3 hours
This MOOC is provided by Politecnico di Milano.
By actively participating in this MOOC, you will achieve different intended learning outcomes (ILOs):
- To understand how metadesign principles are applied in real-world interior and spatial design projects across different sectors
ESCO: materials for interior design - To recognize the diverse methodologies, tools, and narratives used by professional designers to shape meaningful and context-responsive spaces
ESCO: develop a specific interior design - To reflect on metadesign as a flexible and strategic approach that supports creativity, vision-building, and replicability in the design process
ESCO: design process
No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course.
Over and above consulting the content, in the form of videos and other web-based resources, you will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and to share ideas with your peers in the Forum of this MOOC. The forum of this MOOC is freely accessible, and participation is not guided; you can use it to compare yourself with other participants, or to discuss course contents with them.
Your final grade for the course will be based on the results of your answers to the assessed quizzes. You have an unlimited number of attempts at each quiz, but you must wait 15 minutes before you can try again. You will have successfully completed the course if you score 60% (or higher) in each one of the assessed quizzes. The maximum score possible for each quiz is given at the beginning of the quiz. You can view your score in the quiz on your last attempt or on the 'Grades' page.
You can access the course completely online and absolutely free of chargeIl corso è erogato in modalità online e gratuito.
You can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge for this course, if you reach at least 60% of the total score in each one of the assessed quizzes and fill in the final survey.
Once you have completed the required tasks, you will be able to access ‘Get the Open Badge’ and start issuing the badge. Instructions on how to access the badge will be sent to your e-mail address.
The Badge does not confer any academic credit, grade or degree.
Scientific Coordinator
Luisa Collina
Teacher
Full Professor, former Dean of the School of Design at Politecnico di Milano and Rector’s Delegate for external relations of the University. She covered many roles as Rector’s delegate for Milan Expo 2015, President of Cumulus (2013- 2019). In 2005 she established the Product-Service-System master course. Her main interests concern interior and service design for welcoming and inclusive cities and territories.
Laura Galluzzo
Teacher
PhD in Design, she is Associate Professor at the Design Department of Politecnico di Milano. She is coordinator of POLIMI DESIS Lab within the international DESIS Network (Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability). Her research focus is on participative projects of (public) Spaces and Services. She has a specific expertise in the co-design of spaces as activators of collaborative actions, community hub, incubators of social practices. She has been a researcher in various national and international research programmes on this topic. She works on the relationship between Spaces and Services (S+S) design with a focus on temporary interventions, domestic and urban transformations. She is the author of The Legacies of Interiors and Con-temporary Living, and many others scientific articles.
Agnese Rebaglio
Teacher
Designer and PhD, she is an Associate Professor at the Department of Design at Politecnico di Milano. Her research focuses on the role of Design in urban innovation processes, with an emphasis on sustainability and inclusion. She is the Scientific Director of the Master's program in Design for Public Spaces offered by POLI.Design. She has conducted research in the fields of Design for urban social inclusion, urban regeneration processes, energy sustainability promoted by Design, and circular economy for new production chains. She is also a promoter, within the Interior Design program, of GIDE (Group for International Design Education), a network of European design schools collaborating on educational programs.
Elisa Cinelli
Teacher
PhD Candidate in Design at Politecnico di Milano and member of the POLIMI DESIS Lab within the international DESIS network. Graduated in Interior and Spatial Design with a thesis examining homelessness accommodation. Her doctoral research focuses on rethinking urban public spaces through the lens of young children’s rights, needs, and perspective. She is Teaching Assistant at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano for Interior and Spatial Design Master’s degree courses.
TEACHERS
Ilaria Marelli
Teacher
Ilaria Marelli, architect and designer, specialized in art direction, product, exhibition and interior design, developing an emotional and experimental approach. Interested in the social and cultural aspect of design, Ilaria Marelli teaches “Innovation design” at Milan Politecnico and Naba, and she promotes ideas on social innovation, such as the first Italian co-housing project. Winner of the “Milano Donna 2008” award and “AlumniPolimi Award 2015” in Architecture.
Ico Migliore
Teacher
Ico Migliore is an architect and the recipient of two Compasso d’Oro ADI awards, ten Red Dot Design Awards, two German Design Awards, and two International Design Awards (IDA). He teaches Interior Design at Politecnico di Milano and is a visiting professor at Tokyo Zokei University. In 1997, together with Mara Servetto, he founded Migliore+Servetto Architects, a practice distinguished by its ongoing exploration of the expressive potential of light and new technologies in combination with lightweight materials. He has developed projects and installations around the world for some of the most prestigious museums, institutions, and international brands in the fields of design and fashion.
Alessia Genova
Teacher
Alessia Genova, graduated at Politecnico di Milano, is the visionary leader of NYC's Tihany Design. Joining as a junior designer in 2007, she became Tihany’s first partner in 2020 and sole owner in 2024. Known for elevating luxury hospitality, Genova has shaped iconic properties like The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Oberoi New Delhi. She also leads design for Holland America and Seabourn's luxury cruise vessels. A food enthusiast, she collaborates with top chefs on restaurant interiors, blending global perspective with modern relevance and timeless appeal.
Giovanni Franceschelli
Teacher
Giovanni Franceschelli, graduated in Architecture from the University of Ferrara in 1999 and earned a postgraduate degree in Advanced Architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 2001. After his experience in Spain, he specialized in nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEB), focusing on wood structures. In 2009, he co-founded Rizoma Architetture, a Bologna-based firm that emphasizes teamwork, research, and collaboration. The firm excels in hospitality, smart living, and interior design, winning awards like the 2019 MIPIM Award for The Student Hotel Firenze. Franceschelli also teaches at YAC Academy and IED Florence.
Giorgia Longoni
Teacher
Giorgia Longoni is an Italian architect. Passionate about interiors, refined details, and carefully selected materials, she promotes a contemporary way of living in which elegance and practicality come together: a space or a beautiful object is functional, vibrant, welcoming, and versatile. Having grown up in the furniture district, she is deeply connected to artisanal culture. She creates bespoke pieces and has developed a furniture line that brings together various objects she has designed over the years. After studying at the Politecnico di Milano, she collaborated for several years with renowned fashion brands and carried out projects in various international locations. She runs her own studio in Milan and deeply values her team, which is made up of designers and architects from diverse backgrounds united by passion and creativity.
Alberto Nespoli
Teacher
Alberto Nespoli is a designer who completed his Master's degree in Interior Architecture and Design at Politecnico di Milano in 2007. He previously studied interior architecture at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, and at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Before founding Eligo Studio in 2011, he worked at various design and architecture firms in Milan and Amsterdam. Eligo Studio has created set designs and projects for clients such as Antonio Marras, GUCCI, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Première Vision Paris, Merci Paris, Yoox, Roger Vivier, Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri D'Arte, Richard Ginori, Homo Faber, and many others.
Domenico Rocca
Teacher
Domenico Rocca is a designer who earned his Master's degree in Interior Design at Politecnico di Milano in 2005, after completing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design at the same university. He has worked with architecture and design studios in Reggio Emilia, New York, Berlin, and Milan, gaining experience in residential, retail, and exhibition projects. In 2011, he co-founded Eligo Studio with Alberto Nespoli. Eligo Studio has developed installations and design projects for clients such as Antonio Marras, GUCCI, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Première Vision Paris, Merci Paris, Yoox, Roger Vivier, Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri D'Arte, Richard Ginori, Homo Faber, and many others.
Monica Mazzolani
Teacher
Architect and professor in Milan, trained with Giancarlo De Carlo and contributed to major adaptive reuse projects such as the Benedictine Monastery in Catania and Palazzo Battiferri in Urbino. In 2005, she co-founded MTA Associates, focusing on architecture, conservation, and sustainability. She supervised the "Conservation Plan for the Colleges" in Urbino, supported by the Getty Foundation. She co-founded "UAE Modern," a platform for modern architecture conservation. Her work blends social context, technological innovation, and sustainable spatial solutions.
Ugo La Pietra
Teacher
Ugo La Pietra lives and works in Milan. He has always described himself as a “researcher” of visual arts and communication. He has presented his research through many exhibitions both in Italy and abroad. He has curated a number of exhibitions at the Triennale di Milano, the Venice Biennale, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lyon, the FRAC Museum in Orléans, the Ceramics Museum in Faenza, and the Ragghianti Foundation in Lucca.
He was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for The Research in 1979 and Compasso d’Oro for his Career in 2016.
His research experience in art, architecture and design led him to develop such themes as “La casa telematica” (MoMA, New York, 1972 - Fiera di Milano, 1983), “Rapporto tra Spazio reale e Spazio virtuale” (Triennale di Milano, 1979, 1992), “Cultura Balneare” (Cattolica Cultural Centre, 1985, 1995).
Through his works, research, writing and teaching, he has always supported design that is full of meaning, for design that is “territorial” rather than internationalist.
www.ugolapietra.com
Lorenzo Palmeri
Teacher
Lorenzo Palmeri, architect and musician, is active in design, architecture, art direction, teaching, and music composition. He has collaborated with notable figures like Bruno Munari and Isao Hosoe. Based in Milan, he leads a multidisciplinary studio and has designed a wide range of items, including homes, guitars, lamps, and even chocolates. Since 1997, he has taught at prestigious national and international design schools. In music, he has composed soundtracks for theater and installations, releasing four albums. His work has garnered numerous awards, including Good Design Award, IF, Compasso d’Oro, Dezeen longlisted. In 2017 he was nominated as "Italian Design Ambassador" for the “Italian Design Day”. In 2023, it was published the book about his works “Disperazione progettuale. Dialoghi per una piccola epica del design” (Alessandro Biamonti, Franco Angeli Editore, Design and Architecture series).
Course description
This MOOC takes you on a journey into the professional lives of leading architects and designers. They open the doors to their studios, offering a rare glimpse into the metadesign processes behind their spatial projects.
The course’s primary goal is to share insights through video interviews with professionals. These conversations explore the concept of metadesign, emphasising the replicability of design solutions in a sort of “industrialised” vision of interior design. Each expert shares their experience by showcasing exemplary projects that demonstrate how metadesign principles have been applied in real-world settings, which range from retail, exhibit, and hospitality projects to the urban space field.
This MOOC offers an opportunity to learn directly from professionals and industry masters, equipping you with the skills needed to address contemporary challenges in interior design. The course has been conceived and coordinated by Professors Luisa Collina, Laura Galluzzo, Agnese Rebaglio, and PhD Candidate Elisa Cinelli of the Department of Design.
Total workload of the course: 3 hours
This MOOC is provided by Politecnico di Milano.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By actively participating in this MOOC, you will achieve different intended learning outcomes (ILOs):
- To understand how metadesign principles are applied in real-world interior and spatial design projects across different sectors
ESCO: materials for interior design - To recognize the diverse methodologies, tools, and narratives used by professional designers to shape meaningful and context-responsive spaces
ESCO: develop a specific interior design - To reflect on metadesign as a flexible and strategic approach that supports creativity, vision-building, and replicability in the design process
ESCO: design process
Prerequisites
No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course.
Activities
Over and above consulting the content, in the form of videos and other web-based resources, you will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and to share ideas with your peers in the Forum of this MOOC. The forum of this MOOC is freely accessible, and participation is not guided; you can use it to compare yourself with other participants, or to discuss course contents with them.
Section outline
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Video transcripts Folder
Assessment
Your final grade for the course will be based on the results of your answers to the assessed quizzes. You have an unlimited number of attempts at each quiz, but you must wait 15 minutes before you can try again. You will have successfully completed the course if you score 60% (or higher) in each one of the assessed quizzes. The maximum score possible for each quiz is given at the beginning of the quiz. You can view your score in the quiz on your last attempt or on the 'Grades' page.
Certificate
You can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge for this course, if you reach at least 60% of the total score in each one of the assessed quizzes and fill in the final survey.
Once you have completed the required tasks, you will be able to access ‘Get the Open Badge’ and start issuing the badge. Instructions on how to access the badge will be sent to your e-mail address.
The Badge does not confer any academic credit, grade or degree.
Information about fees and access to materials
You can access the course completely online and absolutely free of charge
Course faculty
Scientific Coordinator
Luisa Collina
Teacher
Full Professor, former Dean of the School of Design at Politecnico di Milano and Rector’s Delegate for external relations of the University. She covered many roles as Rector’s delegate for Milan Expo 2015, President of Cumulus (2013- 2019). In 2005 she established the Product-Service-System master course. Her main interests concern interior and service design for welcoming and inclusive cities and territories.
Laura Galluzzo
Teacher
PhD in Design, she is Associate Professor at the Design Department of Politecnico di Milano. She is coordinator of POLIMI DESIS Lab within the international DESIS Network (Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability). Her research focus is on participative projects of (public) Spaces and Services. She has a specific expertise in the co-design of spaces as activators of collaborative actions, community hub, incubators of social practices. She has been a researcher in various national and international research programmes on this topic. She works on the relationship between Spaces and Services (S+S) design with a focus on temporary interventions, domestic and urban transformations. She is the author of The Legacies of Interiors and Con-temporary Living, and many others scientific articles.
Agnese Rebaglio
Teacher
Designer and PhD, she is an Associate Professor at the Department of Design at Politecnico di Milano. Her research focuses on the role of Design in urban innovation processes, with an emphasis on sustainability and inclusion. She is the Scientific Director of the Master's program in Design for Public Spaces offered by POLI.Design. She has conducted research in the fields of Design for urban social inclusion, urban regeneration processes, energy sustainability promoted by Design, and circular economy for new production chains. She is also a promoter, within the Interior Design program, of GIDE (Group for International Design Education), a network of European design schools collaborating on educational programs.
Elisa Cinelli
Teacher
PhD Candidate in Design at Politecnico di Milano and member of the POLIMI DESIS Lab within the international DESIS network. Graduated in Interior and Spatial Design with a thesis examining homelessness accommodation. Her doctoral research focuses on rethinking urban public spaces through the lens of young children’s rights, needs, and perspective. She is Teaching Assistant at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano for Interior and Spatial Design Master’s degree courses.
TEACHERS
Ilaria Marelli
Teacher
Ilaria Marelli, architect and designer, specialized in art direction, product, exhibition and interior design, developing an emotional and experimental approach. Interested in the social and cultural aspect of design, Ilaria Marelli teaches “Innovation design” at Milan Politecnico and Naba, and she promotes ideas on social innovation, such as the first Italian co-housing project. Winner of the “Milano Donna 2008” award and “AlumniPolimi Award 2015” in Architecture.
Ico Migliore
Teacher
Ico Migliore is an architect and the recipient of two Compasso d’Oro ADI awards, ten Red Dot Design Awards, two German Design Awards, and two International Design Awards (IDA). He teaches Interior Design at Politecnico di Milano and is a visiting professor at Tokyo Zokei University. In 1997, together with Mara Servetto, he founded Migliore+Servetto Architects, a practice distinguished by its ongoing exploration of the expressive potential of light and new technologies in combination with lightweight materials. He has developed projects and installations around the world for some of the most prestigious museums, institutions, and international brands in the fields of design and fashion.
Alessia Genova
Teacher
Alessia Genova, graduated at Politecnico di Milano, is the visionary leader of NYC's Tihany Design. Joining as a junior designer in 2007, she became Tihany’s first partner in 2020 and sole owner in 2024. Known for elevating luxury hospitality, Genova has shaped iconic properties like The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Oberoi New Delhi. She also leads design for Holland America and Seabourn's luxury cruise vessels. A food enthusiast, she collaborates with top chefs on restaurant interiors, blending global perspective with modern relevance and timeless appeal.
Giovanni Franceschelli
Teacher
Giovanni Franceschelli, graduated in Architecture from the University of Ferrara in 1999 and earned a postgraduate degree in Advanced Architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 2001. After his experience in Spain, he specialized in nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEB), focusing on wood structures. In 2009, he co-founded Rizoma Architetture, a Bologna-based firm that emphasizes teamwork, research, and collaboration. The firm excels in hospitality, smart living, and interior design, winning awards like the 2019 MIPIM Award for The Student Hotel Firenze. Franceschelli also teaches at YAC Academy and IED Florence.
Giorgia Longoni
Teacher
Giorgia Longoni is an Italian architect. Passionate about interiors, refined details, and carefully selected materials, she promotes a contemporary way of living in which elegance and practicality come together: a space or a beautiful object is functional, vibrant, welcoming, and versatile. Having grown up in the furniture district, she is deeply connected to artisanal culture. She creates bespoke pieces and has developed a furniture line that brings together various objects she has designed over the years. After studying at the Politecnico di Milano, she collaborated for several years with renowned fashion brands and carried out projects in various international locations. She runs her own studio in Milan and deeply values her team, which is made up of designers and architects from diverse backgrounds united by passion and creativity.
Alberto Nespoli
Teacher
Alberto Nespoli is a designer who completed his Master's degree in Interior Architecture and Design at Politecnico di Milano in 2007. He previously studied interior architecture at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, and at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Before founding Eligo Studio in 2011, he worked at various design and architecture firms in Milan and Amsterdam. Eligo Studio has created set designs and projects for clients such as Antonio Marras, GUCCI, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Première Vision Paris, Merci Paris, Yoox, Roger Vivier, Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri D'Arte, Richard Ginori, Homo Faber, and many others.
Domenico Rocca
Teacher
Domenico Rocca is a designer who earned his Master's degree in Interior Design at Politecnico di Milano in 2005, after completing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design at the same university. He has worked with architecture and design studios in Reggio Emilia, New York, Berlin, and Milan, gaining experience in residential, retail, and exhibition projects. In 2011, he co-founded Eligo Studio with Alberto Nespoli. Eligo Studio has developed installations and design projects for clients such as Antonio Marras, GUCCI, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Première Vision Paris, Merci Paris, Yoox, Roger Vivier, Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri D'Arte, Richard Ginori, Homo Faber, and many others.
Monica Mazzolani
Teacher
Architect and professor in Milan, trained with Giancarlo De Carlo and contributed to major adaptive reuse projects such as the Benedictine Monastery in Catania and Palazzo Battiferri in Urbino. In 2005, she co-founded MTA Associates, focusing on architecture, conservation, and sustainability. She supervised the "Conservation Plan for the Colleges" in Urbino, supported by the Getty Foundation. She co-founded "UAE Modern," a platform for modern architecture conservation. Her work blends social context, technological innovation, and sustainable spatial solutions.
Ugo La Pietra
Teacher
Ugo La Pietra lives and works in Milan. He has always described himself as a “researcher” of visual arts and communication. He has presented his research through many exhibitions both in Italy and abroad. He has curated a number of exhibitions at the Triennale di Milano, the Venice Biennale, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lyon, the FRAC Museum in Orléans, the Ceramics Museum in Faenza, and the Ragghianti Foundation in Lucca.
He was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for The Research in 1979 and Compasso d’Oro for his Career in 2016.
His research experience in art, architecture and design led him to develop such themes as “La casa telematica” (MoMA, New York, 1972 - Fiera di Milano, 1983), “Rapporto tra Spazio reale e Spazio virtuale” (Triennale di Milano, 1979, 1992), “Cultura Balneare” (Cattolica Cultural Centre, 1985, 1995).
Through his works, research, writing and teaching, he has always supported design that is full of meaning, for design that is “territorial” rather than internationalist.
www.ugolapietra.com
Lorenzo Palmeri
Teacher
Lorenzo Palmeri, architect and musician, is active in design, architecture, art direction, teaching, and music composition. He has collaborated with notable figures like Bruno Munari and Isao Hosoe. Based in Milan, he leads a multidisciplinary studio and has designed a wide range of items, including homes, guitars, lamps, and even chocolates. Since 1997, he has taught at prestigious national and international design schools. In music, he has composed soundtracks for theater and installations, releasing four albums. His work has garnered numerous awards, including Good Design Award, IF, Compasso d’Oro, Dezeen longlisted. In 2017 he was nominated as "Italian Design Ambassador" for the “Italian Design Day”. In 2023, it was published the book about his works “Disperazione progettuale. Dialoghi per una piccola epica del design” (Alessandro Biamonti, Franco Angeli Editore, Design and Architecture series).
Contact details
If you have any enquiries about the course or if you need technical assistance please contact pok@polimi.it. For further information, see FAQ page.