Automotive Design & Future Mobility Summer Program in Milan, Italy

Course Description: Automotive Design & Future Mobility Summer Program in Milan, Italy

Designed for high school students passionate about cars, design, creativity, engineering, and the future of mobility, this immersive two-week program introduces the world of automotive design through studio-based learning, clay modelling, digital tools, and curated industry visits across Northern Italy.

Based in the global design capital of Milan, students work in modern design labs equipped with professional sketching, digital rendering, and modelling tools while exploring the creativity and innovation behind the automotive industry.

Throughout the program, participants learn the foundations of vehicle design — from sketching and proportions to digital rendering and clay modelling — culminating in the development of their own automotive concept project.

Students also experience Italy’s legendary automotive culture through visits to iconic design studios, museums, and manufacturers in Milan, Turin, and Motor Valley.

*� Why Choose This Automotive Design Camp

*� Learn Automotive Design from Concept to Creation

This programme introduces students to the creative and technical world of automotive design. Participants learn the core principles used by professional car designers, including sketching, form development, digital rendering, and concept presentation. By the end of the programme, students understand how an idea evolves from the first sketch into a full vehicle concept.

*� Hands-On Studio Experience

Students spend significant time working in design studios and labs where they actively create their own automotive concepts. Through clay modelling, sketching exercises, and digital tools, participants explore how professional designers shape vehicle form, proportions, and surfaces. This practical approach ensures students gain real design experience rather than only theoretical knowledge.

*� Industry Exposure

The programme includes visits to renowned automotive design studios, museums, and innovation centres. These visits give students a behind-the-scenes look at how the automotive industry operates, exposing them to the creative processes used by designers, engineers, and product developers.

*� Creative & Technical Skill Development

Automotive design sits at the intersection of art, engineering, and technology. Students develop artistic skills such as drawing and visual communication while also learning about technical considerations like aerodynamics, ergonomics, and functionality. This balanced approach helps students think like both designers and engineers.

*�🇹 Experience Italian Design Culture

Italy has long been one of the global centres of automotive design and innovation. By studying in Milan and Turin, students experience the heart of the automotive design world, where iconic brands and legendary design studios have shaped the evolution of cars for decades. The programme also allows participants to explore Italy’s rich culture, architecture, and design heritage.

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*� Programme Highlights

• 30 hours of studio classes and laboratory sessions focused on automotive design principles and creative development.

• Hands-on design project where students develop their own vehicle concept through sketches, digital renderings, and clay modelling.

• Industry visits to leading automotive design studios, museums, and innovation hubs.

• Excursions to Turin and Motor Valley, discovering the birthplace of iconic Italian automotive brands and design heritage.

• Final design presentation, where students showcase their personal vehicle concept and explain their design process.

• Accommodation, meals, excursions, and supervision included, ensuring a complete and immersive summer experience.

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*� Course Modules

✏️ Car Design Foundations & Professional Sketching

Students begin by learning the fundamental principles of automotive design and visual communication. This module focuses on sketching techniques used by professional car designers to quickly express ideas and explore vehicle concepts.

Participants learn how to:

• Draw accurate vehicle proportions and silhouettes

• Develop dynamic perspectives and shading techniques

• Understand automotive design language and styling cues

• Communicate design ideas through rapid concept sketches

Through guided exercises and demonstrations, students develop the ability to translate creative ideas into clear visual concepts.

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*� Clay Modelling & Volume Development

Clay modelling is one of the most important tools used in professional automotive design studios. In this module, students create a 1:10 scale clay model of their vehicle concept.

Participants explore:

• Vehicle proportions and surface transitions

• Sculpting techniques used by automotive designers

• Understanding form, light reflection, and aerodynamic shape

• Translating two-dimensional sketches into three-dimensional models

Working with clay allows students to experience the physical process designers use to refine vehicle shapes before production.

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*� Digital Rendering & Introductory 3D Design

Modern automotive design combines traditional sketching with digital tools. In this module, students learn how to transform their sketches into professional digital visualisations.

Topics include:

• Basic digital sketching techniques

• Colour, materials, and lighting in vehicle rendering

• Creating realistic concept images

• Introduction to simple 3D modelling workflows

Students gain an understanding of how designers present concepts to studios, clients, and engineering teams.

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*� Interior Design & User Experience (UX) for Vehicles

Automotive design is not only about the exterior appearance of a car. Interior spaces must be functional, comfortable, and technologically advanced.

In this module, students explore:

• Interior layout and ergonomics

• Dashboard design and interface concepts

• Materials, textures, and comfort considerations

• Human-centred design principles in mobility

Students learn how interior design and user experience influence the overall identity of a vehicle.

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*� Future Mobility & Concept Innovation

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies and sustainable mobility solutions. In this module, students explore how designers are shaping the future of transportation.

Topics include:

• Electric vehicles and sustainable mobility

• Autonomous driving concepts

• Smart vehicles and connected technologies

• Designing for future cities and mobility systems

Students are encouraged to incorporate innovative thinking into their final design concept, imagining how vehicles may evolve in the coming decades.

⏰ A Day in the Life

Each day follows a structured schedule that balances academic learning, hands-on design work, cultural exploration, and social activities. This rhythm helps students stay focused during lessons while also enjoying the experience of living and learning in an international summer environment.

Morning: Start the Day

Students begin the day at 7:30 AM with wake-up and morning preparation. Breakfast is served between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, giving students time to relax, socialize with friends, and prepare for the day ahead.

Late Morning: Academic Lessons

At 11:00 AM, the first lesson begins. During this session, students explore core topics related to the programme, learning through interactive lectures, demonstrations, and group discussions.

After a short break from 11:15 AM to 11:30 AM, students return for the second lesson, which continues until 12:45 PM. These classes help build theoretical understanding and introduce the concepts that will later be applied during practical studio work.

Afternoon: Lunch & Studio Work

Lunch takes place from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM, offering students time to relax and recharge before moving into hands-on activities.

The afternoon focuses on lab and studio sessions, beginning at 1:45 PM. During this time, students work on design exercises, projects, and technical tasks related to the programme. These sessions are highly practical and allow students to experiment with ideas, develop skills, and collaborate with classmates.

A short break at 3:15 PM gives students time to rest before continuing with another studio session from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Evening: Excursions & Social Time

In the early evening, students participate in excursions or organised activities from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. These may include cultural visits, city exploration, sports, or group events.

Dinner is served from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing an opportunity for everyone to gather, relax, and reflect on the day.

Night Activities

Evenings continue with social and recreational activities from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. These activities help students build friendships and enjoy the social side of the programme. Typical options may include games, group challenges, movie nights, or cultural events.

Students return to their rooms before lights out at 11:00 PM, ensuring they are rested and ready for the next day.

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*� Weekend Experience

Weekends offer a change of pace from the weekday schedule and give students the opportunity to explore new places, relax, and experience local culture.

Saturday – Excursion Day

Saturday is dedicated to full-day excursions. Students travel to nearby cities, cultural landmarks, museums, or historical sites. These excursions allow participants to discover the region’s culture, architecture, and traditions while spending time with classmates outside the classroom.

Excursions are organised and supervised, ensuring students enjoy safe and enriching experiences.

Sunday – Arrival or Departure

Sunday serves as either arrival day or check-out day depending on the programme week.

New students arriving on Sunday participate in orientation activities, settle into their accommodation, and meet fellow participants. In the evening, a welcome event from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM introduces students to the programme, staff, and schedule.

For students completing their programme, Sunday is a departure day where they prepare for travel home after an unforgettable summer experience.

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🗺️ Special Trips & Activities

🚗 Visit to Italdesign – One of the most influential automotive design studios in the world.

🏛️ National Automobile Museum – Discover the evolution of automotive engineering and design.

🏎️ Visit to Pagani Automobili – Explore the craftsmanship and innovation behind one of Italy’s most exclusive hypercar manufacturers.

🎨 ADI Design Museum – Experience the history and future of Italian design excellence.

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📅 Key Days

Arrival Day (Sunday)

Students arrive, settle into their accommodation, and attend the welcome session.

Excursion Day

A full day dedicated to industry visits and cultural exploration.

Check-Out Day (Saturday)

Departure after breakfast with staff support for transfers.

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📋 What’s Included

• All studio lessons & design labs.

• Clay modelling materials and digital software access.

• Accommodation in Milan.

• 3 meals per day (full board).

• Sports & leisure activities.

• Industry visits and excursions.

• Certificate of completion.

• Insurance and 24/7 staff supervision.

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🍽️ Meals & Nutrition

All residential students enjoy full-board catering throughout the program.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily

Balanced Mediterranean-style meals

Dietary requirements accommodated (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies)

Meals served in a safe, supervised environment

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🏨 Accommodation Options

📍 Modern student residence in central Milan

Students stay at Aparto Residence, offering:

• Individual studio rooms

• Private en-suite bathroom

• Fully equipped kitchenette

• Modern facilities: gym, terraces, study areas & social spaces

• Night supervision and house parents

• Shared social activities with students from other programs

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➕ Additional Services

To ensure a smooth experience, several optional services are available.

🚐 Airport Transfer – Milan Shuttle Service

Transfers between Milan airports and the residence.

Available Airports & Rates:

• Milan Malpensa (MXP)

  • One way: €100

  • Return: €200

• Milan Bergamo (BGY)

  • One way: €100

  • Return: €200

• Milan Linate (LIN)

  • One way: €50

  • Return: €100

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🏨 Extra Night Accommodation

€150 per night

Ideal for early arrivals or late departures.

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🎓 Individual College Counseling Session

€200 per session

Personalized academic and career guidance for future university pathways.

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🎓 Certification & Support

Certificate awarded upon completion.

Visa support letters available for international students.

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🔥 Don’t just study automotive design — create it in Milan.

Develop your own vehicle concept while experiencing the creativity and innovation of Italy’s world-famous automotive culture. 🇮🇹🚗