December 4, 2020
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same can be said for our renovation project at the UW Rome Center. Over the past six months, we have made significant progress on the first floor and are excited to announce that we are nearing completion! From installing new electrical systems to laying down beautiful tile floors, the transformation has been remarkable. Kitchens have been set up in the apartments and the communal “Relax Area,” walls are prepped for painting, lighting is in place, and fire safety measures have been implemented. The final touches include bathroom installations, completing the HVAC system, painting walls, and setting up new educational technology such as audiovisual equipment and computers in classrooms and the Conference Room.
One of the most exciting changes on the first floor is the unveiling of our new Exhibit Space, formerly known as the Seminar Room. The space now boasts a stunning fresco on the vaulted ceiling, depicting Juno, Aeolus, and the nymph Deiopea. This area will showcase student projects and short-term exhibits by local artists and members of the UW Rome Center community.
Other notable changes include the addition of a Relax Area for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy meals or coffee, as well as the repositioning of the faculty apartment to optimize space and allow communal access to the terrace with views of Campo de’ Fiori. The overall redesign promotes functionality and encourages interaction among students and faculty.
As work on the first floor nears completion, renovations on the third floor have already begun. Preparatory work like redoing walls, demolishing bathrooms, and reinforcing floors started in October. The UW Rome Center office has temporarily moved to the fourth floor until the third floor is finished. Similar to the first floor, the design plans for the third floor focus on maximizing educational space and promoting collaboration in the new Business Center.
While we eagerly anticipate the return of University of Washington students to Rome, we are hopeful for a strong comeback in Summer 2021. With 11 programs pending approval for the Summer and Early Fall terms, we are thrilled about welcoming students back to our newly renovated space and providing them with a transformative study abroad experience.
