Author: martina

Inclusion is not just about technology; above all, it thrives on human connection. For this reason, as part of the Inclusive Humanities Project, we have installed new benches along the Department’s corridors, which were previously empty of seating or support surfaces.

The layout of these new benches responds to the need for creating “decompression zones” and widespread socialization. Recent studies on space pedagogy suggest that informal learning—the kind that happens between classes—is fundamental to academic growth. These seating options have been positioned to facilitate:

• Peer-to-peer exchange: areas for quick study and discussion.

• Relational inclusion: open spaces that invite people to pause and engage in spontaneous dialogue.

• Accessible rest: essential rest stops for those who experience university life every day.

These are not just simple benches, but true hubs of exchange: spaces designed to foster informal encounters among students, the sharing of ideas, and the birth of new collaborations. We believe that the university should be a place where “stopping” is just as important as “rushing” to class, breaking down isolation and promoting a welcoming, participatory community.

We have installed preserved moss walls in our premises, a choice backed by recent scientific studies highlighting the benefits of natural elements in learning environments. International research demonstrates that integrating these elements (biophilic design) into study and work spaces:

• Reduces levels of stress and perceived anxiety.

• Boosts concentration capacity and long-term memory.

• Improves acoustic comfort, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of moss.

A healthier environment is a more inclusive environment, capable of restoring the mental energy of every student and teacher.

The Department has completed the installation of dedicated accessible ramps designed to eliminate the height difference between the classroom floor and the lecture platform. This intervention was carried out to ensure that professors and students with reduced mobility have full access to educational spaces, guaranteeing that everyone can reach the speaker’s podium in total autonomy and safety. Another step forward for a university that leaves no one behind.