Painted and stucco decoration has been one of the fundamental applied arts in the artistic and architectural expression throughout human history. It has been a foundational contribution to both sacred and noble architecture, shaping the form of beauty in our churches, religious centers, public and private buildings, both inside and out, across Europe and, consequently, in the New World. Decoration has become an expression of various historical and stylistic moments and a tool for the perceived urban form.

Genoa and Liguria, in addition to possessing an infinite treasure of interior surface decoration in the grand palaces of the historic center, representing a glorious political and commercial past, still showcase the great art of decorated facades. This includes both majestic examples from the 16th and 17th centuries and traditional facades from the coastal towns and inland areas, which over time have shaped a unique anthropic landscape.

The Decoration bachelor program is based on this historical, artistic, and urban premise, still relevant today in a city and region that aim to leverage their artistic heritage as a strategy for tourism expansion and cultural enhancement.   The course focuses on teaching students how to observe the artistic world of decoration around them, to read the layered history that makes up their environment today, and to learn to imagine, design, and create. The goal is to train students to become decorators.

Students will explore the codes of this artistic discipline, the ancient yet still relevant techniques of architectural trompe l’oeil drawing, and the chromatic and material world that enables them to paint objects on a wall that appear three-dimensional to the observer, allowing them to enter a virtual world that adds value to both architecture and even modest buildings.

Regarding the core curriculum, each of the three years is dedicated to organizing the students’ training according to a structure based on the nature of decoration: the first year focuses on “Quadratura,” the second on “Ornamentation,” and the third on the study of styles and types, culminating in the theme of complex ornamentation and figures.

Throughout the course, historical themes will be explored to allow students to navigate various styles, techniques, and technologies with competence, learning about materials and techniques from both the past and the present. They will also gain the skills needed to approach the restoration and reconstruction of ancient decorative elements, as well as the design of new decorative works, with the ability to read anthropic landscapes and historical urban planning.

The program also includes theoretical-practical courses that expand the scope of the educational offering, promoting a natural dialogue between techniques, applications, and tools used in decoration, including the use of digital technologies. Courses include Anatomy, Drawing, Ornamental Sculpture, Material Techniques, Engraving, Painting Techniques, Chromatology, and Photography. The curriculum is complemented by theoretical courses dedicated to the study of art and visual culture, both from a historical and contemporary perspective.

Decoration classes are held in the large, dedicated workshop space that offers both classroom space for lectures and the necessary facilities for hands-on laboratory activities, providing students with an environment comparable to an actual construction site. Field lessons in the historic center of Genoa and other key locations for the course will be essential. Dedicated, fully equipped laboratories are also available for each of the theoretical-practical courses.

Additionally, the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti offers, in collaboration with public and private entities, the opportunity for internships and hands-on experiences that combine academic knowledge with practical, on-site activities, broadening students’ operational, design, and conceptual perspectives.