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By Charlotte Witts
The library at FUA is the perfect place to envelop yourself in information and use it to your advantage. Livia Sturlese, a staff member who works in the library, gives more insight about this wondrous room.
Despite the university being founded in 1993, the building that hosts it was built in the 16th century, and is still owned to this day by Bombicci, Guicciardini and Strozzi – three historical Florentine families. Livia acknowledges the challenge by which a building so beautiful and ancient such as this is transformed into a modern university. Of course, a place of study must be contemporary and the latest technology inevitably infiltrates the walls of the past. However, it’s clear to see that the library maintains its classical charm. Little has been done to revolutionise the room, enabling it to be in harmony with the rest of Florence: traditional and infused with culture.
A key element supporting this harmony is undoubtedly the large oil painting on the wall. Created by Michele Rapisardi in 1959, the art work demonstrates the flawless application of oil paint frequently seen within Renaissance masterpieces from earlier centuries. Not only does it add an aura of elegance and grandness, but the numerous figures and complex composition of the piece give the viewer something to get lost in.
Book topics held within the library range extensively across the courses taught at the university. For example, given that FUA was the first culinary institution in Europe, there is an abundance of information to be gained on this here. Livia elaborates on the immense array of learning subjects, noting that there are more than 450 courses available in the catalogue. Book collections stem from these options, with 80% of textbooks being in stock within the library. Though, not all information is restricted to the curriculum, with some books delving into the roots of the regions within Florence.
The FUA library is welcome to all students who wish to study, discover and develop their passions