Pininfarina Academy 2026: the Summer School of Architecture in Advanced Design and DfMA returns to Turin

Following the success of the first edition, Pininfarina announces the launch of the second edition of the Pininfarina Academy, scheduled from July 6 to 17, 2026. The initiative will once again take the form of an Architecture Summer School in Advanced Design & DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly), aimed at up to 20 selected international students.

The two-week intensive program will offer participants an immersive learning experience at the headquarters of the historic Italian Design House, combining lectures, design activities, and opportunities for direct interaction with Pininfarina professionals and designers. The aim is to provide advanced skills in contemporary design processes, with a particular focus on the integration of creative vision, industrial feasibility, and technological innovation.

As Cheuk Ming Ng, a student from the first edition, recounts: “Before the Pininfarina Academy, I was used to imagining architecture mainly as a whole, starting from the general vision of the project. During the course, however, I began to look in the opposite direction, delving into the details, individual components, and construction processes: DfMA helped me change my perspective. One of the most memorable moments was working with 3D printing, because you rarely have the opportunity to follow the entire cycle, from design to production. Parametric design was also new territory for me, and thanks to the teachers, I was able to explore both its possibilities and its limitations. It was a truly unique experience: I learned a lot, but I also had to unlearn some ideas I had about design. In this way, I began to think of architecture as a set of parts that gradually come together to form a larger system.”

Among the confirmed speakers and guests are Arturo Tedeschi, Federico Borello from EnCode, Ingrid Paoletti, Xavier De Kestelier and Jacopo Foggini. The panel of contributors may be further enriched with the participation of other professionals and internationally renowned organizations, which will be announced shortly.

Intesa Sanpaolo is once again a partner in the initiative, while sponsors include prominent names such as Ghella, Mered, Manni Group, and Rockwool.

The Pininfarina Academy 2026, also under the patronage of ADI and Fondazione Per l'Architettura, reinforces the company's position as an international hub for training and experimentation in the field of advanced design applied to architecture and new construction paradigms, promoting a multidisciplinary approach that combines design culture, sustainability, and the transfer of know-how.

Applications are now open and will close on April 18. All information on how to participate and the selection process is available on Pininfarina's official channels.

For more info: Pininfarina Academy - Pininfarina