On Monday, March 10, Roger Williams University architecture students had the opportunity to visit one of the largest wineries in Tuscany: the Antinori Winery at Bargino (just outside Florence), designed by Archea Associati to fit unobtrusively and be seen as part of the hill, perfectly integrating with the surroundings. Arch. Laura Andreini, who worked on the project for over five years, led the tour and described the interior as “a sacred space for wine,” conceptually designed to be rooted in the earth by having a minimal impact on the environment and maximum saving in energy.

This spring semester students are focusing on projects that merge with Florence’s historical architecture and its landscape. We could think of no better example for them than this sustainable masterpiece in the Tuscan countryside.

The site visit was made extraordinary through the participation of important guests from RWU: Provost and Sr. Vice President Andrew Workman and Assistant Provost for Global Affairs Guilan Wang.

Dean Stephen White, RWU School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation, who arrived on purpose from Rhode Island, accompanied the twenty-six students. Also in attendance was the ISI delegation with director Prof. Stefano U. Baldassarri, Prof. Silvia Catitti, as well as TAs Daniela Sinicropi and Stefano Corazzini. ISI Professor Carlo Achilli organized the tour with Laura Andreini, who will also take part in the students’ final design review in late April.