The Faculty of Letters of the University of Lisbon (FLUL) is preparing for the inauguration of its New Building, a milestone that promises to redefine the academic experience. In conversation with Laura Prezzi and Diana Levy, students and representatives of the Association of Students of the Faculty of Letters (AEFLUL), expectations emerge about the new space and its symbolic and functional importance.
The New Building, details of which can be found on the official FLUL website, hosts news, testimonials, and specifics about the construction. Diana Levy highlights that the project arose not only from the management's will but also from actively listening to "various generations of students who fought for this space to emerge."
Recalling the old New Pavilion (PN), Laura Prezzi mentions fond memories from alumni and colleagues, describing it as a "convivial space." However, she focuses on the present and future: "we now have the new space to create our own memories." Diana Levy adds that, although her memories are indirect, the generational gap creates nostalgia and a desire to "live what they lived, but here."
In architectural and symbolic terms, Laura Prezzi believes the New Building gives "a new image to the Faculty," allowing it to "express what we truly are, as a community," and "showcase our research." Diana Levy reinforces that the construction values the work of professors and the students' fight for "spaces with good conditions," emphasizing that the building "shows that we can have conditions for future generations" and that "it is a historical monument, which has seen many generations pass, and is now renewed for present and future students."
With a capacity for nearly 1000 students simultaneously and offices for faculty on the upper floors, the geographical proximity is seen as a factor in bringing students and professors closer. Laura Prezzi believes it will facilitate "asking questions and seeking help," and "sharing ideas, growing together," allowing the student-professor relationship to "no longer be limited to the classroom." Diana Levy agrees, anticipating greater "proximity and trust" and making it easier to schedule meetings, in addition to ensuring faculty have "a workspace that guarantees the necessary conditions for the development of dignified teaching."
Laura Prezzi expresses the expectation that the new space "can bring activities from the Main Building here, so we can increase our capacity for expression," consolidating the faculty's identity. Diana Levy summarizes the benefits as "more space," "the possibility of bringing activities here," and the opportunity to "create new memories," concluding that the building "brings more and more improvements to our Faculty."
Both students express emotion at being part of the generation that "inaugurated this space." Laura Prezzi feels she is "starting a story that will continue for many years," while Diana Levy describes entering the new rooms as "another world," highlighting the importance of listening to past generations and seeing their struggles realized.
This interview is part of a series of conversations about the New Building of the Faculty of Letters of ULisboa, published on the FLUL website and its social media. The project was funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, under the Adult and Youth STEAM Impulse project.
