Exploring Transformative Potentials of Urban Cemeteries Through an Evolutionary Evaluation Approach: The Case Study of “Poggioreale” in Naples (Italy)

The article analyses theoretical framework and methodological pathways to investigate the potential impacts of transforming cemeteries into multifunctional landscapes that benefit citizens living in urban areas, fostering a paradigm shift in their conceptualisation from “Heterotopia” to “Hypertopia”. With recognising of several levels of environmental, health and wellbeing, and cultural services, cemeteries are becoming relevant examples of places which provide citizens with multiple landscape and ecosystem services. This contribution is part of a University of Naples “Federico II” funding project, referred to as “Rethinking lastscapes Perspective”, and it aims to investigate people’s viewpoints concerning the current state and transformative potentials of Italian cemeteries, with a particular focus on the case study of the “Poggioreale” cemetery system in Naples (Ita-ly). A literature survey has allowed the scientific landscape to be explored relating to urban studies focused on cemeteries. Stated Preference Methods (SPM) and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) have been selected as the best-fit methods to be implemented in a preliminary research stage. These qualitative methods were beneficial during earlier phases of evaluations to gather fast feedback, exploration, and pilot testing, from an Evolutionary Evaluation (EE) perspective. Therefore, participants were asked to express their opinions concerning three main topics, considered more consistent with the research purposes: most recurring emotions, potential landscape services, and people’s concerns attached to these places. Furthermore, the survey respondents were asked to map the preferred paths during the park visit. The findings are expected to have relevant implications for citizens and policymakers who experience the cemetery as a place supplying multiple potential landscape services.