Title

Author(s)

Francesco Iuliano

Affiliation

University of Naples Federico II

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/SFBD4858

Keywords

University and City Policies, Urban Regeneration, Civic University

PP

479-486

How to Cite

Iuliano, Francesco. “Mind the Gap Between City and University Adaptive Reuse of Intermediate Spaces in West Naples.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 479–486. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

Over time, Naples has become a university city. Starting from its foundation in the historic center, in a former convent, Federico II University then expanded eastward to San Giovanni a Teduccio; northward with the second polyclinic—and recently with the new location in Scampia—and westward with the Monte Sant’Angelo complex. However, the university spread across the territory presents a few shortcomings regarding the provision of services to students (eating halls, study rooms, accommodations). In the western part, in the districts of Fuorigrotta and Bagnoli, there are four university complexes, far from the center and most of the above-mentioned services. Looking at the urban fabric surrounding them, the presence of unused or abandoned buildings suggests the possibility of establishing relationships between the university and city community. The aim of this contribution is to investigate the processes of adaptive reuse of abandoned public buildings that are configured as ‘intermediate spaces’ between the university and the city and whose effects benefit both students and citizens. The chosen perspective concerns the role of architectural composition in defining actions aimed at overcoming not only physical barriers, but also economic and social ones. Through the restitution of the results of design-driven research conducted on two case studies, the paper will reflect on the ways in which synergies between university and urban policies can enhance unused spaces. By changing the function and maximizing the conservation of existing structures, it is possible to seize the potential of what already to meet the needs of the present.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.