Promotion: design school Istituto Europeo di Design is running a master's course in retail design at its Florence campus, aiming to equip students with the skills to create brand-recognisable shop interiors.

Starting in November, the Master in Future Store Design at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Firenze will be taught in English and available to prospective students with design backgrounds. The course aims to prepare creative students for careers in the changing landscape of retail.

Over nine months, Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos will mentor students to help them design interiors that create connections between brands and customers.

Students will explore and analyse spaces for events, trade shows, temporary exhibitions, pop-up shops and flagship stores, aiming to learn how to create a strong and captivating brand identity.

"In a dynamic landscape characterised by swift changes, the course aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful design of retail spaces, recognising the significant transformation occurring in this post-pandemic world," said IED.

"The evolving relationship between the physical and digital realms is becoming increasingly integral to our lifestyle," it continued. "The physical store now serves as the focal point for a hybrid experience, seamlessly integrating online and offline through omnichannel services."

Graduates with a diploma or bachelor's degree in design, industrial design, architecture or interior design can apply for the course, as well as those with at least two years of professional experience in similar fields.

Applicants should have skills in conceptualising and creating interior spaces with knowledge of 2D design software Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modelling software such as Rhinoceros or V-ray.

During the master's programme, students will gain knowledge of interior design, including furniture, lighting and materials, as well as retail communication and marketing strategies.

"The course's objective is to prepare students for the strategic creation of innovative retail environments, enabling them to evolve into professionals capable of excelling not only in established retail companies but also in broader contexts," said IED.

The first part of the course will equip students with foundational skills in visual communications, marketing, anthropology and sociology to prepare them for analysing changing trends in the cultural, social and economic aspects of retail design.

The second part of the course will include workshop classes and teachings on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, lighting design and sustainability.

Throughout the year there will be opportunities for field trips and visits to companies and trade shows, offering insight into the business of store design.

IED was founded by Francesco Morelli in 1966 in Milan and now has 11 campuses across Italy, Spain and Brazil.

Located in the centre of Florence, IED Firenze aims to inspire creativity in keeping with the craftsmanship and artistry the city is known for.

"IED Firenze sustains a permanent dialogue with its surrounding territory in all sectors," said the school.

"It plays an active and proactive role, which stimulates a creative learning pattern and a design mindset capable of integrating past and present expertise in innovative capacities for boosting youthful talent."

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for IED as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.