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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

2nd Level Master in

Designing educational Landscapes between Pedagogy, Architecture and Design in Dialogue with Nature – EDENSPACES

This programme trains professionals who can transform educational environments to promote well-being, beauty, and quality. It is a unique course in Italy, based on interdisciplinary dialogue between pedagogy, architecture, design, botany, ecology and art, with the aim of creating stimulating and inclusive learning contexts. 

Course Description

In response to the growing need for the renewal of educational environments, the programme provides participants with the tools to integrate skills in pedagogy, architecture, design, and environmental sustainability. Students will develop specialised knowledge, as well as a strategic vision and social sensitivity. They will acquire the ability to design flexible educational landscapes, implement innovative pedagogical approaches, and create interdisciplinary professional networks.

The course combines theory and practice through intensive residential sessions, online training, workshops, and internships with selected partners. It is divided into three main modules. Lecturers from various academic and professional backgrounds will contribute their expertise to the realisation of concrete projects.

This Master is designed for professionals in education, architecture, design, the natural sciences and culture, as well as anyone interested in specialising in creating quality educational environments that foster a connection with nature and encourage the active participation of the educational community. 

At a Glance

ECTS credits: 60
Duration of the course: 1 year
Courses will be taught in Italian and English
Places available: 24
Campus: Brixen-Bressanone
Tuition fees: € 4.500,00 

Structure

The Master is divided into three main modules: 

  • Theoretical Foundations for a New Learning Ecology: This module provides the disciplinary basis for understanding the relationships between pedagogy, architecture, design and nature in the design of educational spaces: Explores the relationship between pedagogy, architecture, design and nature in the design of educational spaces.. 
  • Co-designing educational spaces: Interact, raise awareness, play: This module deepens methodologies and tools for participatory processes, engaging school communities and stakeholders actively through creative and playful approaches.
  • Exploring innovative projects and actions: Sharing, Reflecting, Designing: Analysing cutting-edge case studies offers opportunities for comparison and development. Project development towards the final thesis.

Courses will be taught by lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Education, as well as professionals from various academic and professional backgrounds who have cross-disciplinary knowledge in areas such as pedagogy, architecture, design, botany, and ecology. 

Total load: 1500 hours (60 CFU) 

  • 108 hours of face-to-face lectures
  • 78 hours of online teaching 
  • 18 hours of laboratory/project work 
  • 24 hours of hiking 
  • 300 hours of apprenticeship 
  • 250 hours for project and thesis 
  • 722 hours of individual studyProfessional outlets (max. 150 words) 

The 18-hour workshop and the 300-hour professional training period will be held at partner institutions located throughout Italy. The rest of the year will be devoted to individual study, online lessons, and preparing the final thesis — activities that can be carried out from anywhere.

Course structure

Hands-on Experience

Kid playing with wooden sticks
hand writing on a poster
Group activity with kids
Hand picking cut-off images
girl writing on a post it for a project

Lectures

The curriculum is designed to facilitate the participation of professionals who are already active in the working world. During the year, the in-person classes are concentrated in three intensive schools, each lasting four days. 

  • Winter School: from the afternoon of 21 January 2026 to the morning of 25 January 2026 
  • Summer School: from the afternoon of 24 June 2026 to the morning of 28 June 2026 
  • Autumn School: from the afternoon of 21 October 2026 to the morning of 27 October 2026 

During these periods, participants must be present at the Brixen-Bressanone campus to take part in teaching activities, which will take place at the Faculty of Education and with institutional partners in the local area.

People

Study Course director: Prof. Beate Weyland (photo)

Career opportunities

This programme prepares professionals who can innovate educational environments and work as designers, consultants or coordinators in both the public and private sectors. Graduates will be able to take on responsible roles in the design and management of educational spaces or pursue advanced academic research.

Developed competencies include designing flexible educational landscapes, implementing innovative pedagogical approaches, and creating interdisciplinary professional networks in response to the growing need to renew learning environments in an ecological way. 

Areas of inclusion: 

  • Educational institutions
  • Research Centres 
  • Design studies 
  • School furniture companies 
  • Gardening-related companies 
  • Public administrations 
  • Social, cultural and environmental organisations 

The master also allows non-academic professionals to obtain a certificate of attendance. 

Application and Admission

You can find all you need to know in order to apply and gain admission to this study programme by browsing through the information below.

Application:  17-26/09/2025
Admission interview (online): in the week from 29/09-03/10/2025 
Publication of the ranking lists: 07/10/2025 
Enrollment deadline: registration from the publication of the rankings until 17/10/2025 
Start of lectures: January 2026

The Advisory Service provides support regarding your choice of study. In many cases a simple call or a short request is enough to get the relevant information (Tel. +39 0471 012100).

Partners

The master has active collaborations with important cultural and educational institutions in the region:

  • MUSEION - Museo d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Bolzano 
  • MUSE - Museo delle Scienze di Trento 
  • MART - Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Trento e Rovereto 
  • Fondazione Terzoluogo – Fondazione culturale, Milano/Napoli 
  • SOUx – Scuola di architettura per bambini, diverse sedi nazionali 
  • GAM – Gonzagarredi Montessori, Gonzaga (MN) 
  • AICG – Associazione Italiana Centri Giardinaggio, diverse sedi nazionali 
  • AFLOVIT – Associazione Florovivaisti Trentini, Trento 
  • PD Plant Holland – Azienda di gardening, Padova 
  • Giardino dei Ciucioi – Comune di Lavis (TN) 
  • AG&P greenscape – Studio di architettura del paesaggio, Milano 
  • Campomarzio – Studio di architettura, Trento 
  • MoDusArchitects – Studio di architettura, Bressanone (BZ) 
  • Ludosofici – Associazione  educativa culturale, Milano 
  • Akròasis – Associazione pedagogia e creatività, Alghero 
  • CC91 – Studio di architettura, Roma 
  • INDIRE – Istituto Nazionale Ricerca Educativa 
  • Intendenza Scolastica di Lingua Italiana, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano, Bolzano 
  • Guerini e Associati  -  Editore, Milano 

Some of these will host workshops, practical activities and professional internships, offering participants the opportunity to experiment with innovative design methods in real contexts and to interact with industry professionals.

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