The course is structured as follows, and feedback from the first participants confirms the importance of studying the structural elements of footwear.
RHINOCEROS FUNDAMENTALS WITH RICCARDO GATTI (WEEK ONE)
The first week of the course is dedicated to acquiring the fundamental tools needed to approach sole design during the following weeks. We chose Riccardo Gatti to introduce our students to the world of Rhinoceros, an extremely powerful software used across many different industries, from architecture and furniture design to automotive and footwear.
Riccardo Gatti is considered one of the leading experts in Rhinoceros training in Italy, having taught for many years at prestigious universities such as Politecnico di Milano.
“I studied Industrial Design at Politecnico di Milano and, after a few years of experience working in different studios, I began my professional career. At the same time, I also started working as a Rhinoceros Trainer after receiving the official certification in 2005. The ability to apply the software to real-world situations within teaching has allowed me to collaborate with universities, schools, and companies from many different industries,” comments Riccardo.
Staying true to the philosophy of “the workshop school,” Arsutoria organized the class as an experiential laboratory where participants immediately began working directly with the software. Each student had access to their own dedicated workstation and a license for the latest version of the software provided directly by the school.
Together with Riccardo Gatti, we explored several topics related to Rhinoceros training and the importance of understanding 2D and 3D design tools in the era of AI.
- How important is it today for different professional profiles — not only those focused on technical product development, but also designers — to learn how to use a tool like Rhinoceros?
“For both profiles, understanding a 3D software is now essential. Rhinoceros is a strong option because it combines an accessible learning curve with a wide range of modeling tools that allow a project to move from the initial concept phase all the way to industrial production.”
- In the age of AI, how important is it to understand 2D and 3D technical design tools in order to enter the industry?
“AI is an amplifier: if I scream, it will only amplify noise; if I sing, it will expand the boundaries of my voice. The foundations of design remain the same whether we work with manual or digital tools, because at the core of everything lies the critical ability to identify constraints and opportunities. AI still lacks this critical capability, and it probably will for a long time, which means we must provide it ourselves. As a designer who started using CAD when many people were still drawing by hand, I see the same fears emerging today. But experience teaches me that, just like CAD, AI will change the way we work without ever completely replacing us.”
EASYLAST FUNDAMENTALS FOR TECHNICAL FOOTWEAR LAST DESIGN (WEEK TWO)
The second week was dedicated to the study of footwear lasts. The last is the first and most essential component for both footwear design and technical construction. Traditionally made in wood using artisanal tools such as files and lathes, today the last incorporates decades of technological innovation.
For more than 30 years, NewLast has been leading the innovation process of this fundamental component through the development of EasyLast, the reference software used by the world’s leading last manufacturers, as well as a range of precision-machining systems for plastic lasts now used in some of the industry’s top factories.
The educational program of the second week was led by Arsutoria School Technical Director Paolo Marenghi together with Alfredo Di Domenico, CAD-CAM Department Manager and Customer Service Manager at NewLast. Each student was provided with an EasyLast software license to explore the software functions used for the most important structural and aesthetic modifications of footwear lasts.
To learn more about the evolution of technical education for last design, we invite you to read the in-depth interview with Andrea Galbiati, Technical Director of NewLast, in the article “Designing 3D Lasts: The New Arsutoria Course in Collaboration with NewLast”.
USING RHINOCEROS FOR TECHNICAL SOLE DESIGN (WEEKS THREE AND FOUR)
During the third and fourth weeks of the course, we had the honor of hosting one of the most important footwear design and engineering studios: Design&Develop from Montebelluna. A historic company from the sport-system district founded by Claudio Franco and now led by his sons Alberto and Piero.
The program of these two weeks began with techniques for positioning the digital last file within space. In continuity with the topics covered during the previous week, the last was analyzed through the proportions relevant to both footwear design and sole development.
The core of the training focused on the use of Rhinoceros tools essential for the technical design of a sole. First, students explored 2D technical drawing tools used to define the relevant sections of the sole geometry.
They then moved on to the construction of 3D volumes for the different parts of a sport sole: the midsole, structural components, and outsole. Each student, according to their own aptitudes and professional expectations, had the opportunity to explore the different facets of the software together with two outstanding instructors: Piero Franco, Head of Design at Design&Develop, and Francesco Ferranti, Head of 3D Development.
We had the opportunity to further explore their experience and vision of the industry through an exclusive interview with Piero and Francesco.
- The instructors’ experience inside the Arsutoria School classroom
“The experience was extremely constructive and positive. Alternating frontal lessons with moments of collective practical work was very effective, especially because it created an important exchange between students coming from different backgrounds, as well as professionals already working within the footwear industry.”
- While building this ad hoc module for Arsutoria School, how much were you able to apply the best practices developed by your studio over many years of activity?
“We applied many of the processes we use daily in our studio, from the fundamentals of last nomenclature and their characteristics to the complete design of soles and other components. Beyond helping students achieve autonomy in using the tools, our objective was to transfer and consolidate a solid working methodology developed through years of practical experience.”
- Over the years, your studio has developed important software tools for the footwear sector based on the Rhinoceros platform. How do you see the role of product engineering software evolving within our industry? How important is it for students graduating from technical schools to know these tools?
“More and more, the industry is moving toward what is called ‘digital creation,’ meaning projects and products that are born directly within digital platforms before being translated into the various forms of manufacturing. Software knowledge has now become an extremely important skill, especially for the future roles within this industry.”
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
- The perspective of someone who has been developing orthopedic footwear for over 30 years.
Among the international students attending the course, coming from different educational and professional backgrounds, there was also Lárus Gunnsteinsson from Iceland, Product Designer at Össur, an Icelandic company specialized in orthopedic solutions and prosthetics.
With more than 30 years of experience in the footwear and product development industry, Lárus has been a Master Shoemaker since 1983 and a certified Orthopedic Shoemaker since 1993. Throughout his career, he has specialized in gait analysis, insole development, EVA products, and footwear for both able-bodied people and individuals with physical disabilities.
These are Lárus’ words about his classroom experience:
“What motivated me to join this course was actually the timing. It’s an intensive four-week course; I knew it would be eight hours a day and quite demanding. I was sure it would help me and become a huge tool for understanding what others are doing — the people I work with today and also the people I will work with in the future. I will definitely use the opportunity I had by participating here to speed up the design work we are currently developing.”
- The point of view of a 3D and Research & Development specialist
Among the participants of the course was also Andrea Di Ianni, who has been working for the past seven years in the Research & Development and 3D department at Diamant SRL, a leading company in the production and distribution of sports equipment and sportswear. Among his responsibilities within the company, he explains, “I develop tools and solutions to optimize production processes and support projects for major brands such as Nike Football, DMT Cycling, and other leading companies.”
Andrea joined the course to deepen his knowledge of footwear lasts and sole design:
“I wanted to expand my experience in the footwear sector and further improve my knowledge of the tools used during the course, but above all to better understand the method and workflow needed to create prototypes and develop products in the best possible way, in the shortest possible time, while maintaining a high level of quality.”