Italy is a country I am always inspired by. Watching movies about Italy, reading about it, and seeing pictures. It is one of those exotic places one dreams of, to discover the beauty of art, design, and oneself. I am one of the lucky ones. To have the opportunity to do just that, at a great Italy design school. And I want to share this wonderful experience with you.

At first when t landed in Florence, I was simply mesmerized. Beautiful architecture and beauty is all around. To me, Florence is a small, quiet and peaceful city. In contrast to my life back in Mumbai, India. With few cars on the road, I witness  people walking on the streets, to enjoy the pleasant summer day. After a warm welcome by my AirBnB hostess and a quick session of questions, I learned the local restaurants, shops attractions to explore. And soon, I was fascinated by the passion people shared about their food, culture and traditions. There is a lot of pride. And this love for their country, is felt by the way they speak of all things Italian

Following my arrival I began my design school in Italy. I really liked the concept and the ideology at Florence Design School. Unlike the other summer courses around Europe, here you find a proper balance between theory and hands on experience. Because of this I was drawn to this course. So I chose the Interior and Furniture Design PRO course for 4 weeks. Before this, I lacked the chance to see first hand experience in college. And now, I have that chance- see a design go from a drawing to an actual space to visit.

This course, even for a short time, provided me with that great experience.

I also love the morning lectures, in which we all exchanged our ideas with one another. We learn much more than just design, but about life. I especially enjoyed the lectures on architecture as it really opened me to the great Italian history. To see and hear that work was completely inspiring.

Here, The method of teaching is very philosophical. It encourages us to create designs not just for beauty or function, but to create something that truly speaks to your heart. This is one lesson I truly value when I leave from here.

I felt joy each day going to the studio. It’s a warm and comfortable space. I couldn’t imagine a better Italy design school.

Further, I loved the chance to meet other students of different nationalities. To make new friends and learn each other’s countries, cultures and traditions. Despite being from such different places, we are very similar. And I believe that really unifies us together.

I also had the wonderful chance to travel outside Florence.  And I chose to visit Pisa and Milan. The leaning tower of Pisa is an iconic landmark of great interest to me. Together with its beautiful architecture, I am in awe of its tilted structure, that is so sublime stable.

Pisa lived up to my expectations

We can travel to Pisa in one day. In fact I traveled to Pisa with my friend early in the morning and came back in the evening. Luckily, the weather was simply perfect. We walked around the town, enjoying all the local delicacies, local shops and artists. Laying on the grass near Pisa was so pleasing and peaceful, something I will always cherish.

On the other hand, Milan was a complete contrast to both Florence and Pisa. Being a colossal city, you see high end luxury brands. Much more than the local brands I witnessed in the other towns. The buildings were more contemporary, with everyone dressed in fashion. It lived unto its name for being the fashion capital of the world.

To travel other cities in Italy was a great learning experience too.

Trying to travel in the Metro system for the first time in Italy and explore the routes, even occasionally even getting lost. The highlight of my trip was the Milan Duomo. I was enthralled by its mass and attention to details. It made me feel almost surreal to think that such technology even existed centuries back. The amount of time and hard work that must have gone into completing it. It will always be one of my most memorable days.

Another workshop I attended was of Lighting Design. As an introduction, it gave helpful knowledge to the studio’s master course. Being very informative, it explained the technology behind what is light and how it works in furniture design. All in all the presentation was good and many questions always answered. We also had a fun session with our professor taking pictures of us and play the use of light and shadow.

My one month in Italy was life changing. I learned so much not just about design but about travel and life independently. This design course in Italy let me explore outside of the classroom and get real life experience. We ate great food together, met amazing people and shared stories. We each have our own story, and to share them together, we truly experience life in its best form. I will return with so many more memories and stories and I feel truly blessed to have experienced it all.