LOCATION

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FACILITIES

Pop-up School participants in the studio garden in Bergamo, Italy

Our physical studio in Italy exemplifies our commitment to offering immersive and globally connected learning opportunities. Close to an urban hub and rich in biodiversity, this unique setting allows people to develop their skills as well as broaden their perspectives by engaging with different landscapes and contexts.

We work with global companies and foster collaborations with local organisations and communities, allowing exploration at the intersection of design and social impact.

Our dynamic learning environment promotes creative thought leadership where technology and experience come together. Prototyping is intrinsic to all of the work that we do. This means that wherever we go, we bring excellent tools, machines and materials to create and build amazing things.

Presentations in the main studio space

The digital fabrication lab

The CIID building from above

The bio-lab

The beautiful Astino complex in Bergamo, Italy, surrounded by the 'Biodiversity Valley'

Italy

We are excited to introduce our new studio in Bergamo.

We have already hosted successful Pop-up School classes here and we are very much looking forward to embedding the Interaction Design Programme in this location.

Italy holds great influence on and passion for design. CIID was born out of the Interaction Design Institute, Ivrea, so while this is a new location, we feel we are returning to our Italian roots.

Why Astino?
‍The historical complex of Astino has been chosen as our Italian location in line with our purpose to approach design from a life-centred perspective. The name Astino indicates both the valley and the historical buildings. Situated in an agricultural oasis, defined as Biodiversity Valley, the former monastery is currently under renovation.

We are collaborating with Fondazione Mia (Congregazione della Misericordia Maggioreto) to create an open studio space for the Interaction Design Programme and our Pop-Up Schools, along with a digital fabrication lab and prototyping workshop. This will become a destination for those working at the forefront of design, technology, sustainability and regeneration.

The monastery has been open to the public since 2015 and has hosted numerous events, exhibitions and initiatives with many related to art, music and of course food, wine and nutrition. The reputation of Italian food is world-renowned and Bergamo is no exception.

Located just 7km from Bergamo airport, the Astino Valley immediately conveys a sense of peace.

Where is Bergamo?
Located 45 km northeast of Milan, Bergamo is the fourth-largest city in Lombardy and is a well known UNESCO World Heritage site.

It has two parts: Citta Àlta (Upper City) and Città Bassa (Lower City) which are connected by a funicular. This makes it an exciting, contrasting place to experience.

Citta Altà is a medieval city, surrounded by 16th century Venetian walls, with cobbled stone streets that play host to small boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Città Bassa is the modern part of the city and is home to larger shops and the business district.

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