70/100 SPD Pioneer School of Italian Design

This year, we are honored to mark two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of Scuola Politecnica di Design’s founding and the 100th anniversary of the birth of our visionary founder, Nino Di Salvatore. A pivotal figure in Italian design, Di Salvatore is renowned for his innovative application of Gestalt Psychology to design disciplines.

Lesson SPD black and white photo

Rediscovering the SPD Archive

To mark these historic milestones, we have embarked on an exciting journey to rediscover our historical archive, a treasure trove of around 100 drawers preserving the finest student projects from 1970 to today. This research not only allows us to celebrate the rich legacy of the school but also offers a significant glimpse into the evolution of Milanese design and its connections to the future.

Upcoming Exhibition

Among the ongoing projects, we are preparing the exhibition “70/100 SPD Pioneer School of Italian Design,” curated by Martí Guixé, which will take place in November 2025. The exhibition, sponsored by ADI (Association for Industrial Design), will be divided into three sections:

> The figure of Nino Di Salvatore
> His relationship with SPD
> The school and its students

Alongside the exhibition, the book 70×100: SPD Pioneer School of Italian Design will be published, a 180-page volume that envisions the future of the school, deeply rooted in its history.

This project is not only a celebration of the past but also a vision for the future, built upon Nino Di Salvatore’s legacy and the school’s ongoing commitment to educating designers capable of connecting creativity, humanistic culture, and innovation.

Discover the panel

> Antonella Andriani: ADI’s Vice President
> Marti Guixe: Designer, Course Leader of the Master of Arts in Food Design and curator of the exhibition
> Luca Fiammenghi: Designer, alumnus and faculty member
> Massimo Hachen: designer, alumnus and faculty member
> Amos Bianchi: Accademic Director of SPD

Join Us for a Special Press Conference

We invite you to join us on October 8th at 18:00 for a press conference at the ADI Design Museum, Piazza Compasso d’Oro 1, Milan. Together, we will celebrate SPD’s rich heritage and the exciting future that lies ahead.

Please RSVP by contacting us at spdvoices@mail.scuoladesign.com to confirm your attendance.