In September 2025, 4th-year Interior Design students Aya Rikabi and Tess Otten were selected to study territorial regeneration through a week-long masterclass hosted by Poliarte University in collaboration with Marchingegno and Metaverso Raffaello. Along with 13 fellow students from six different countries, Tess and Aya were able to represent Ohio State while engaging with and sharing different ideas, strategies, and processes across the program’s dynamic opportunities and design challenges. 

For the duration of the masterclass, the students were able to stay in the rural village of Montalto, a key cultural location within the Marche region. Here, they were met with a truly immersive experience, living amongst locals and conducting firsthand research into the demographics and cultural nuances of the area. With their observations and experiences, students were tasked with proposing design solutions with the goal of stimulating tourism, job opportunities, and repopulation within the Marche region. The week came to a close with presentations to instructors, community members, and even the region’s mayor, where each group shared their findings and proposals.

When reflecting on this unique opportunity, Tess and Aya both agree that this was a truly unforgettable experience. Learning from and collaborating with an international cohort of students not only created valuable connections, but also allowed them to grow in new ways as designers. They would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Ohio State Design, The College of Arts and Sciences, Poliarte, Marchingegno, Metaverso Raffaello, and everyone who made this impactful experience possible.