Knowledge Phase

The Hidden Voids study and the Making Place workshop focus on rediscovering the hidden architectural and social landscapes of Naples’ historic center. Cloisters, courtyards, and green pockets — often concealed behind dense urban facades — reveal a quieter side of the city, where Mediterranean flora, fountains, and ancient trees create moments of calm within the vibrant urban fabric. These spaces, alongside parks and public gardens, act as essential “green lungs,” reconnecting residents and visitors with nature and memory. Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naples, the project explores how temporary and small-scale architectural interventions can contribute to urban regeneration. Despite ongoing preservation efforts, such as the Enhancement Project for the Historic Center, many historic buildings remain abandoned or occupied informally. This reality underscores the need for innovative approaches to heritage management — ones that balance preservation with adaptation and new forms of use. The research highlights the intense rhythms of the city, where daily life shifts between the bustling tourist flows of the Cardi and Decumani streets and the quieter residential areas that emerge at night. Understanding these temporal dynamics was crucial for identifying where architectural actions could activate underused spaces and foster inclusivity. The Making Place workshop, hosted by the University of Naples Federico II in partnership with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, applied these insights through participatory design. Students worked on six sites across Naples, conducting field research, engaging with local communities, and developing temporary architectural proposals that respect the city’s layered heritage while addressing present-day needs. Ultimately, the project’s goal was not only to design but to generate knowledge — a shared resource for architects, planners, and policymakers seeking new ways to sustain historic cities. By revealing hidden urban spaces and empowering communities to shape them, Hidden Voids and Making Place reaffirm architecture’s potential to build connections between people, heritage, and the evolving city.