Italian university offers master’s program in food design
For students enrolled in international culinary schools, developing an individual philosophy of food presentation is integral to establishing an identity in the kitchen. Historically, chefs develop a signature aesthetic after opening their own eateries, but now the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Italy has introduced a one year master’s program focused on food design. The one-year intensive graduate program is open to Italian chefs and international students alike, and classes are taught in English to accommodate those from other countries.
The program
Milan is renowned for its culinary scene and will be the host of the 2015 World’s Fair which is focused on the theme of food, according to Food Republic. The city is considered one of the food capitals of the world, making it the perfect locale for chefs to learn the intricacies of food design and philosophy. The first year of the program begins on March 30, 2015 and ends sometime in March of the following year, as listed on the university’s website.
Students will work with a wide range of faculty and guest lecturers, including chefs, journalists, food critics, architects, entrepreneurs and industry designers. Besides lectures and workshops, the program consists of visits to restaurants, food companies and gastronomic events. Food Republic notes that so far 25 students from 13 countries have enrolled.
Notably the master’s program is not open exclusively to culinary students. Those with marketing, liberal arts and social science degrees are also invited to apply. The program’s objective is to prepare students to enter all fields of the food industry and blends food design with broader concepts of marketing and communication intertwined. By understanding concepts of presentation, communication and food processes, students can become thought leaders in the industry at large.
The Scuola Politecnica di Design has partnered with PepsiCo and Bahlsen, as well as the International University of Languages and Media to make the program a reality. Classes, which are listed as modules on the university’s website, include the food and agriculture system, food service design, food science, food packaging, wine and food culture, food marketing and communication, food design and tourism and the places of food, among others. Faculty include renowned food designer Stefano Giovannoni, chef Davide Oldani, journalist and event organizer Davide Paolini, food design researcher Matteo Pirola and IULM professor of event management Andrea Pollarini.
