Master in Urban Vision & Architectural Design
The Course
The Master in Urban Vision & Architectural Design offers new techniques of inquiry into the methods, tools, and topics that define contemporary urban and architectural projects. In this program, you will study design-based strategies for transforming cities and regenerating metropolitan areas.
Taking factors like the environment, social equity, and economic viability into consideration, you will design concepts for private and public spaces and collaborate on projects that define a better urban future.
Who Should Apply
The program is addressed to candidates who have a first-level degree and/or professional experience in architecture, urban planning, landscape design, civil engineering, or equivalent.
It is also open to candidates who hold a degree/diploma in other disciplines, if they are motivated by interest in the program’s topics and a strong portfolio.
All courses are taught in English, so a knowledge of the English language is essential. Click “Requirements” for details.
Career Paths
Graduates can find employment in design, architecture, and engineering studios; regional development agencies; urban planning departments; or real estate or construction companies.
Job titles include:
- Architect
- Architectural assistant
- Urban planner
- Urban designer
- Project researcher
- Project manager
- Landscape architect
- Landscape designer
Explore the Program
The Master in Urban Vision & Architectural Design program is workshop-based, supported by seminars, lectures, tutorials, and fieldwork. Industry professionals, the program leader, and project leaders will guide you via individual coaching and mentorship.
The program consists of four customizable course/workshop modules, followed by a professional experience period and a final portfolio presentation.
Courses
Coursework focuses on critical research methods, design theory, strategic thinking, and historical and contemporary design practices—all within the broader context of urban and architectural design studies.
Workshops
Guided by industry professionals and faculty project leaders, you will work with leading companies on projects such as developing a strategic vision for solving a specific urban issue, designing parts of open spaces, or drafting a proposal for an architectural intervention.
Professional Experience
To gain real experience working in your field, you will choose from an internship at a company site, a work project on campus in collaboration with a company, or an entrepreneurship module. In each case, you will benefit from mentorship, an inside perspective on your field, and valuable career connections.
Companies
Several prestigious companies and design studios collaborate with the Master in Urban Vision & Architectural Design program, actively participating in courses, workshops, internships, and international competitions organized by the department.
Get Inspired
Check out some projects that our students have completed with top brands.
Naluri
Project in Collaboration with Natuzzi
Second Skin: A New Agenda for Façadism Workshop
Project in Collaboration with Dott.Gallina S.r.l.
Graft Between Lake and Art
Project in Collaboration with Comune di Sulzano
Final Thesis. Redesigning An Island. Venice 2016
Competition in Collaboration with Young Italian Architects (YAC)
Meet your faculty
Your Program Leader
Elisa Poli
Co-founder of Cluster Theory Research Group, Elisa Poli is an architectural historian, critic, and curator. She received her Ph.D. in 2009 in Architectural History from the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. She has co-authored or contributed to several books about contemporary architecture theory, including Hybrid Living.
Elisa was trained as a teacher at the Architectural Association in London and has taught at several Italian schools of design and architecture. She writes for architectural magazines—including Domus, Abitare, Arch’it, Paesaggio Urbano, and Archphoto—and is editor of Opere. She joined Domus Academy’s faculty in 2014 as course leader of the Master in Urban Vision and Architectural Design.
Visiting Professors
Other visiting professors and collaborators include architects, urban planners, urban designers, and project managers such as:
Luca Astorri, Giovanni Avosani, Andrea Balestrero, Gianandrea Barreca, Alessio Battistella, Francesca Benedetto, Carlo Berizzi, Marco Boffi, Paolo Brescia, Marco Brizzi, Elisa Cristiana Cattaneo, Federico Cassani, Elisa Chiodo, Alfredo Cisternino, Paolo Ciuccarelli, Roberto Maria Clemente, Nigel Coates, Antonella Contin, Matteo Costanzo, Maddalena De Ferrari, Manfredo di Robilant, Davide Tommaso Ferrando, Alberto Francini, Francesco Franchi, Matteo Ghidoni, Guido Incerti, Richard Ingersoll, Caterina Lunghi, Ludovico Migliore, Davide Mottes, Walter Nicolino, Fabio Nonis, Caren O’Rourke, Filippo Pagliani, Cristina Perilli, Roberta Pezzulla, Marco Quaggiotto, Nicola Rainisio, Massimo Randone, Davide Rapp, Chiara Rizzica, Elvira Vannini, Andrea Vercellotti, Mariella Zoppi.
Alumni
Fees and Scholarships
Each one-year Academic Master’s program (60 ECTS) at Domus Academy involves the following costs, in addition to a € 540 diploma fee, which must be paid at least one week before the course start date. The Academic Master’s diploma is recognized by MIUR and awarded by NABA.
Matriculation Fee: € 540
See the Tuition Fees page for more information.
EU & Switzerland Students
€ 19900
| Fee | Description |
| € 3000 | Pre-Enrollment |
| € 16900 | Tuition |
Non - EU students
€ 28600
| Fee | Description |
| € 3000 | Pre-Enrollment |
| € 25600 | Tuition |
Scholarships
Domus Academy is proud to support talented students with scholarship opportunities. Watch this space to discover the latest calls for scholarships launched in collaboration with leading brands, design studios, and publishers.