Design for Children
Spaces and objects between play and learning
Rome
ENG
|
ITA
First Level Master’s Degree in Design for Children*
Language
English, Italian
Start date
November 2026
Frequency
Full time
Fruition
On campus
Duration
11 Months
Price
EU/EEA resident students: €15.300
Non‑EU/Non-EEA resident students: €17.300
Explore and transform the way we think about places and objects for children, designing alongside professionals from the Montessori Foundation and the Reggio Children Foundation in the Master's Program in Design for Children at IED Roma
Children are pioneers of a multidimensional tomorrow, a world shaped by unimaginable technological and social advances. Preparing them to navigate this unfamiliar territory requires a radical change in the way we design spaces, products and educational approaches. It is our role to understand their requirements and provide them with tools and resources to help them develop the skills they need to take their future into their own hands.
This Master's Program is a total immersion into innovative design for children. By integrating the vision of early explorers with the power of emerging technologies, you will explore and redefine the very concept of design. Under the guidance of experienced lecturers and renowned professionals, you will gain key technical skills and also explore the intricate connections between pedagogy, the history of play and developmental psychology.
You will work closely with institutions and industry partners such as the Montessori Foundation and the Reggio Children Foundation to design and develop spaces and products to transform the educational experience of children. Through intensive workshops, design laboratories and case studies, you will experiment with the integration of the latest technologies in children's design.
With the Master's Program in Design for Children, you will create projects that directly influence the lives of today's children and adolescents, shaping their future world.
Credits:
The course awards 60 CFA (Academic Formative Credits), corresponding to 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
* An application for accreditation of this course has been submitted to the MUR – Italian Ministry of University and Research. The information on this page will be updated based on developments related to the application.
Information to decide
The Master's Program combines creativity and innovation to transform the world of children
The Masterìs Program in Design for Children is a practical course structured in two interconnected sections: one dedicated to the design of educational products and games, the other to the design of educational spaces. The methodology combines practical activities, theoretical lessons and intensive workshops based on recognised educational methods.
The design workshops are developed in collaboration with partner companies and industry institutions such as the Reggio Children Foundation and the Montessori Foundation to guarantee the acquisition of technical skills and a detailed understanding of market needs.
You will acquire both practical and theoretical skills, covering topics such as digital technologies, materials, safety regulations and learning theories. You will work with key players in research and experimentation within the world of childhood and learning theories.
The Final Thesis Project will be a chance for you to apply all the skills gained during the Master's Program.
The Master's Program in Design for Children is conceived for those of you who want to revolutionise the world of children's design by creating innovative spaces and products that will transform the educational experience of children.
This course is aimed at those holding a First or Second Level Academic Diploma or a Bachelor's Degree in courses of study related to the world of Interior Design, Product Design or Architecture who wish to supplement the skills acquired in previous courses.
Professionals with at least two years of equivalent professional experience in the specific areas covered by the Course are also eligible.
In order to attend the Master's Program, it is essential to have a solid background in the use of at least one CAD modelling software, such as Autocad, 3ds Max, Fusion 360 or Rhinoceros. In addition, it is necessary to be familiar with photo editing and vector graphics software.
The Master's Program in Design for Children is characterised as a path of excellence, focusing on innovation in the design of products and spaces for learning. Drawing on the expertise of professional lecturers and industry partners, such as the Reggio Children Foundation and the Montessori Foundation, this course will provide you with the tools you need to address the challenges of designing for children in an innovative way, from designing educational products to creating learning spaces.
This course is not just a study course but a proper creative workshop that will guide you towards an advanced design methodology. You will learn how to shape the educational experience of children in an innovative way, guaranteeing a positive social and environmental impact.
At the end of the Course, you will be equipped for a professional future packed with opportunities ranging from large design studios to companies specialising in furniture and learning tools, helping to create stimulating and safe environments for young people.
IED will supply you the main software required during your course!
On this page you can find all the features you need for your computer.
Syllabus
Course content
The Master Course in Design for Children is developed as a structured course that combines theory and practice to train highly specialised professionals in the field of design for the developmental years.
The course starts with an introductory workshop focusing on the Munari Method during which you will be immersed in the educational and creative activities experienced by children to fully understand the interaction between the educational environment and young people.
Faculty
Course Coordinator
Laura Negrini
Architect, Co-Founder - BAN Baglivo Negrini Architetti
Course Coordinator
Mauro Del Santo
Product Designer
Giulio Pernice
Interaction Designer
Francesca Crisafulli
Valentina Conte
Architect e Project Manager
Francesco Bombardi
Luca Boscardin
Carmelo Baglivo
Domitilla Dardi
Art Historian, Curator of design
Irene Guerrieri
Architect
Maurizio Cozzi
Architect and Toy Design
Silvana Sperati
Researcher and Writer
Andrea Lupi
Researcher in General Didactics and Special Pedagogy
Alessandro Zecchin
General Director - GAM Srl
Giovanni Fumagalli
Architect and Designer
Course partner
What people say
"Designing an educational environment means linking together architecture and pedagogy, design and anthropology, but also social, cultural and political aspects in a holistic and interdisciplinary approach."
Learning Environment Architect – Fondazione Reggio Children
“We believe that inter and trans-disciplinary collaboration among professionals dealing with childhood from different professional viewpoints is key to generate quality”
President of the Fondazione Montessori
“Tool aesthetics is not an accessory in itself, but it's also a means of engaging people and encourage them to learn something simply because they are doing something nice. The beauty of the rooms, the beauty of the tools facilitates learning.”
Physics Department - Sapienza Università di Roma
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