Last spring, a ceremony was held for the inauguration of the residence located in a wing of the Institute for the Blind Francesco Cavazza with access to Via Arienti, civic numbers 6 and 8. The premises have been completely restructured as part of a series of interventions aimed at the renovation of the property heritage of the Institute in order to continue the conservation work according to the provisions of the Statute, and to provide spaces for the accommodation of students and users of the Institute's activities and services. Guests can stay in complete autonomy in the mostly single occupancy rooms for as long as is necessary while attending courses at the Institute. Common areas can also be used on an as-needed basis, such as the canteen, the laundry room and a large hall for social activities. The rooms can accommodate up to 47 students who are invited to develop their sense of independence during their often first experience away from home, a transition which is not always easy.
The Institute's investment was significant, considering the care taken in restructuring and keeping unchanged the architectural style (and, in some instances, in restoring it) in combination with the guests' needs. The investment also represents an important and tangible confirmation of the efforts made towards the people who have always been at the centre of the Institute's attention, despite a challenging economic climate and increasingly fewer contributions from public administration as well as banking foundations.
The Via Arienti residence is of primary importance for those who, otherwise, would face difficulty in finding living accommodations for the time necessary to attend their courses in a city like Bologna known for its high housing pressure. Often many of the students used to living independently within the walls of the Cavazza Institute later decide to stay in the city of Bologna after their studies despite the logistical difficulties involved.
The importance of the new venue is also evidenced by the name it was given, Paolo Emilio Cavazza, the unforgettable member – from 1959 to 2007 – of the Board of Directors of the Institute founded by Count Francesco in 1881. The ceremony was held last April 21, in the presence of Gualtiero and Francesco, as well as an esteemed guest, the Archbishop of Bologna Matteo Maria Zuppi, who visited the renovated residence, and the classrooms where lectures are held, and the halls housing the Anteros and Tolomeo Museums. The museums have aroused great interest and appreciation by the Archbishop of Bologna, and there was much cheering to be heard by the many "students of Cavazza" present at the ceremony.
One of them improvised a musical performance, singing Ave Maria accompanied by the piano. The visit carried on far beyond the standard times for such an inaugural ceremony, providing the Archbishop with an opportunity to learn about the Institute's activities and to meet staff, teachers and students who evolve around it.
The Via Arienti residence is of primary importance for those who, otherwise, would face difficulty in finding living accommodations for the time necessary to attend their courses in a city like Bologna known for its high housing pressure. Often many of the students used to living independently within the walls of the Cavazza Institute later decide to stay in the city of Bologna after their studies despite the logistical difficulties involved.
The importance of the new venue is also evidenced by the name it was given, Paolo Emilio Cavazza, the unforgettable member – from 1959 to 2007 – of the Board of Directors of the Institute founded by Count Francesco in 1881. The ceremony was held last April 21, in the presence of Gualtiero and Francesco, as well as an esteemed guest, the Archbishop of Bologna Matteo Maria Zuppi, who visited the renovated residence, and the classrooms where lectures are held, and the halls housing the Anteros and Tolomeo Museums. The museums have aroused great interest and appreciation by the Archbishop of Bologna, and there was much cheering to be heard by the many "students of Cavazza" present at the ceremony.
One of them improvised a musical performance, singing Ave Maria accompanied by the piano. The visit carried on far beyond the standard times for such an inaugural ceremony, providing the Archbishop with an opportunity to learn about the Institute's activities and to meet staff, teachers and students who evolve around it.
Italiano
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