The first year takes place in Rome, a city where design, art and architecture are inseparable from history. Students are immersed in a cultural environment shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, aesthetics and innovation, studying at a school rooted in Italian design heritage. This foundation year focuses on discovering design as a living cultural language: understanding European design history, learning fundamental tools and methods, and exploring materials, technologies, sustainability and AI from an introductory level. The emphasis is on observation, experimentation and clear communication, building a solid base across heritage, method, innovation and vision.