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:
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Peer-to-peer exchange: areas for quick study and discussion.
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Relational inclusion: open spaces that invite people to pause and engage in spontaneous dialogue.
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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.