The Fountains of Villa D’este – Tivoli, Italy
Author: Emily Wright | Major: Interior Design
Amid Covid-19, a class of interior designers held their breath to see if they would ever get to experience the wonders and beauties of one of the oldest cities in the world. When the University of Arkansas offered a two-week travel experience, my first reaction was correct; this is my chance. I, amongst others, was able to study and understand the many attributes that Rome, Italy, had to offer, months in advance of our travel. We were able to visit sites and cities with pieces of extensive background knowledge. So, after many awaited months, questions, and doubts of if time abroad would ever come, I was able to step out onto the basalt pathways in the heart of Rome.
As design students, we learn weekly new precedents from all over by designers from every stretch of the world. We know these places’ plans, sections, and concepts by heart, but it is very rare for us to experience them in person. Stepping into the heart of the Vatican, the Pantheon, the MAXXI, and the MACRO Museums, I was in awe of these places I have seen from a computer screen a thousand times. I had no words, and for me, that says a lot. Witnessing these spaces with my own eyes has already begun to shape how I want to design in the future. I wish to sprinkle little bits of Rome in every project I design.
The program consisted of daily tours. We toured places of history and places of modernity. Each aid in teaching us a new lesson of the elements that Rome holds. Ways to contrast the new and the old, ways to separate the two, and ways to celebrate the history and culture of Rome. It also seemed that if we were to have a good day, we would see at least one orange tree and two stray cats! It is safe to say those were two unexpected highlights of the trip I won’t forget.
With my experience being non-traditional, I spent only short spurts of time with many of the Rome Center faculty. Even still, I feel as though I know them as I do my instructors here in Arkansas. With the path I took to arrive in Rome, I participated in a semester-long Zoom class with one of the Rome Center instructors. It was a joy to finally meet her in person after almost a year of knowing one another. If one finds themselves in the Rome center, they should count themselves lucky to be under the advice of these instructors. They have such extensive knowledge under their belt and are so personable that you will always feel just at home.
Outside of our daily tours through Rome, my fellow third-year interior design friends and I would walk through the streets and witness the unique textures and images of the city. All sorts of oranges, pink, tans, and greys painted the views. We also made it a point to visit as many high-end designer retail spaces as humanly possible. Not only was it an eye-opening experience to see all the designer materials and products, but to witness the incredible interior design, well I am not sure I can ever describe my admiration. The attention to detailing that matched the brands, the use of local materials, and ambient and focal lighting is a lesson I have tucked away for another time. And yes, there may have been some shopping on top of that and a few more orange tree and cat sightings! Along with shopping, we did some eating too. The food in Italy is incredibly fresh to the taste buds. Not once was there a time when I wanted to stop eating. I was not much of a “multiple cups of coffee a day” type of girl before, but now I may have been persuaded to change my views.
Though not what many would consider a study abroad experience, the created program caters to the students. There is not a moment where our benefits from this trip faltered. If this alternative is offered again, I will jump at the opportunity to tell other students to join! It is a new and fast-paced way to experience Rome, but it is one like no other. The only thing I looked forward to was a nice, warm taco! My one piece of advice for those who may do this program in the future is to enjoy and soak it all in because you will be home the next thing you know! Oh, and maybe find a way to bring one of those delicious orange trees home, too!