Stefano Boeri's Food Village Opens in Amatrice After 2016 Earthquake

Eight timber buildings—a bar and seven restaurants—comprising the Villaggio del Food designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti will open tomorrow in Amatrice, Italy. The project, funded by over €8 million raised by Corriere della Sera and TgLa7, provides new premises for local restaurateurs whose businesses were destroyed by the August 2016 earthquake. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region collaborated on the construction, with its Filiera del legno, ATI DomusGaia, and Legnolandia supplying materials and building the structures. The buildings use prefabricated solid spruce timber for load-bearing elements and larch modules for infill, with large windows offering views of the Monti della Laga. The inauguration will also feature the presentation of the "Roseto Ama Amatrice" and a reading of verses by poet Dania Lupi. Stefano Boeri expressed emotion at the delivery, stating that Amatrice can finally offer its gastronomic quality to citizens and visitors. This follows the earlier opening of a 150-seat school cafeteria near Christmas.