During my experience in this course, I gained a new understanding of the world of design. We explored a myriad of museums, galleries, and studios, each showing me how the field of design can be connected to anything- art, architecture, history, engineering, and more.
Through galleries and studios such as the Spazio Rossana Orlandi, Achille Castiglioni’s Studio, and Villa Neche, I saw unique objects and creations that were designed for function as well as beauty. Each had different qualities that made them special, teaching us something new about their past, present, and future. I learned so much about the creativity and innovation involved with product design and saw beautiful works of art along the way.
Museum and factory visits to Artemide, Campari, Armani, and Alfa Romeo highlighted the extravagance and uniqueness of Italian design. We were very lucky to go on these tours, as being able to experience each brand so closely is something we could never do otherwise. It was fascinating to also see how each big brand was incorporated into the city. For example, we saw Campari lamps hanging in a random cafe at Cadorna and recognized them from the museum.
The Biennale in Venice and the Triennale in Milan were also some of my favorite exhibits, as they were beautiful examples of how design can be a language for the world and the problems we face. It was amazing to see how the artists used sight and sound to create an immersive experience and how no room was the same as the next.
The Bosco Verticale, one of my buildings for the ‘Mapping the City’ assignment, was another one of my favorite buildings we saw this month. After I learned how it was designed to accommodate the plant structures, I decided to create my sketchbook about Milan’s greenery. Even following the project, I noticed how many of Milan’s buildings accommodate growing plants. I had a moment of reflection when comparing these efforts to those of other countries, such as the US. I was impressed with Milan’s dedication to sustainability for the environment.
Throughout my time on this maymester, one of my favorite highlights was learning about the people in our community. My fields of study are not related to design, so experiencing all of these places and hearing perspectives from classmates who truly understand them was truly something that enhanced my learning. From the Mapping the City project to just talking to the people around me, I feel like I have so much more knowledge in the field of design, just from socializing. I have also made wonderful friends and am so grateful to have met Professor Kate.
On top of the educational experiences, studying abroad has been such an amazing way to see more of the world. In our free time, we traveled to Nice, Monaco, Lugano, Como, Venice, and other cities, and I have even more of Europe to see in the next couple of weeks as I make my way through Austria and Germany. Immersing myself in a new country was intimidating but rewarding, as now I can proudly navigate Milan’s public transportation system or even recommend places to go.
To have the privilege to explore a foreign city filled with history, architecture, and design was so eye-opening. I felt challenged to learn to think like a designer, to spot the smaller details and patterns, and make connections between all the places we visited. I am motivated to become more involved with design in the future. This trip has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life and has taught me so much about the world, its history, and the innovation behind it.
The Bosco Verticale on our city walk
Old Town of Monte Carlo, Monaco
Sketching in Fondazione Vico Magistretti
The Biennale in Venice
One of our weekend trips to Lugano, Switerland