On the night of April 6, 2009, the student dormitory in L’Aquila collapsed, bringing death and destruction. Eight students lost their lives under its rubble, victims of the devastating earthquake. Now, sixteen years later, the “Casa dello studente” is poised to rise again. The city council has greenlit the project for a new structure to be built in the historic center, precisely on the site of the former Carducci middle school destroyed in the tragic quake.
The initiative, transforming the dorm from an image of tragedy into a symbol of rebirth, is led by Adsu (Azienda per il diritto agli studi universitari dell’Aquila). Adsu has already completed the technical-economic feasibility study. The project now awaits funding approval from Cipess (Inter-ministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development) to launch a tender for the combined execution design and construction phase.
Adsu President Marica Schiavone and Director Michele Suriani stated: “Our efforts to enhance student services are progressing swiftly. If we secure the Cipess funding next year, the new student house will be ready within four years.”
Adsu’s strategy also includes developing offices and a new university canteen in a building opposite the dorm site – the former university clinic near the San Salvatore university complex, purchased from the provincial health authority (ASL). Adsu acquired the former Carducci school land through a property swap involving a partially collapsed building on Via XX Settembre.
Francesco De Santis, L’Aquila City Councillor for Urban Planning, Construction, and Planning (Lega), declared the recent council resolution a “turning point for the city.” He emphasized that the historic center will gain a functional and welcoming space for students choosing L’Aquila for their education and future. De Santis praised the “significant collaboration” between the administration and Adsu, thanking President Schiavone and Director Suriani for their “professionalism and competence” in meticulously following every step of the process. He expressed confidence they would continue with the same dedication to rapidly complete the new facility.