Master plan of Napoli Porta Est,
design: Zaha Hadid Architects
British studio Zaha Hadid Architects has created a master plan for the eastern part of Naples that will turn more than 30 hectares of abandoned brownfields into a functional space for residents. A complex of buildings and a park are planned right next to the main train station, and two new skyscrapers will become the headquarters of the local government. The project aims to merge the city's fragmented structure, with a focus on urban coherence. This project ranks among the largest revitalization efforts in Europe.
Development plan for the eastern part of Naples - visualization with a view of the two skyscrapers that will serve as the new headquarters of the regional government
Visualization: BrickVisual © Zaha Hadid Architects
reconnecting the city
A key premise of the studio's proposal is to connect the eastern part of Naples with the rest of the city. In doing so, the district is expected to gain accessibility and a sense of security, as well as become more attractive to tourists. Currently, railroad lines are a clear boundary that divides the space and affects the daily lives of residents, creating both physical and social barriers. The architectural solutions used are aimed at bridging these obstacles and creating a cohesive urban fabric.
Development plan for the eastern part of Naples - visualization of the rooftop gardens
visualization: ZHA © Zaha Hadid Architects
transforming a post-industrial heritage
The eastern part of Naples, dominated by industrial buildings, has been struggling for years with the problem of unused areas left by disused factories. The project involves transforming these spaces into new facilities and an extensive urban park. There are also plans to restore the functionality of abandoned train stations, which will enrich the local public transportation system.
Development plan for the eastern part of Naples - visualization of the interior of one of the skyscrapers
Visualization: Felix Render © Zaha Hadid Architects
Green revolution in Feltrinelli
The entire revitalization will cover 30 hectares of neglected industrial buildings in the Feltrinelli area. Of these, more than 10 hectares will be transformed into green zones - public squares and gardens. At the heart of the project will be a park planted with trees characteristic of southern Italy. The space will be designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, and efficient transportation will be provided by an underground transportation hub.
Development plan for the eastern part of Naples - the facades of the towers gently flow to connect with the ground level
visualization: BrickVisual © Zaha Hadid Architects
architecture inspired by volcanoes
The project's standout features are the two skyscrapers that will serve as the new headquarters of the regional government. Public spaces, including a conference center, cinema, stores and restaurants are planned for the lower floors, while offices will be located on the upper floors. The towers are characterized by fluid, dynamic shapes, achieved through the use of hybrid concrete and steel construction. Their cuboidal volumes taper toward the top, alluding to the silhouette of volcanoes. The facades of the towers gently flow to connect with the ground level.
Development plan of the eastern part of Naples - visualization of views of the city
visualization: ZHA © Zaha Hadid Architects
energy from the sun and nature
The unusual form of the skyscrapers is not accidental - their shape results from an analysis of the sun's movement. The north-facing openings have been enlarged to increase the access of daylight to the interiors and improve the visibility to the outside, while reducing excessive sunlight on the other facades. This solution reduces energy consumption for artificial lighting. The buildings are designed for natural ventilation, and green roofs are expected to further increase their energy efficiency. A 7,000-square-meter photovoltaic installation is planned for the roofs and canopies.
Development plan for the eastern part of Naples - the unusual form of the skyscrapers results from an analysis of the sun's movement
Visualization: BrickVisual © Zaha Hadid Architects
new neighborhood on the horizon
The complex also includes a new train station, residential development and a pedestrian bridge that will connect the site to the nearby Centro Direzionale business center. Zaha Hadid Architects' concept also includes a proposal to develop a 100-acre site left over from a former oil depot. The area could be transformed into a new city district, with residential, commercial and retail development.
Zaha Hadid Architects' triumph in Naples
The project prepared by Zaha Hadid Architects has won an international competition announced by the Naples authorities, carried out in cooperation with the Region of Campania, FS Sistemi Urbani (responsible for the transformation of railroad areas in Italy) and railroad operator EAV. The realizations of this British office in Italy are not numerous - the MAXXI museum in Rome is an example so far, and there are plans for a Mediterranean cultural center in Reggio Calabria, whose form is to resemble a starfish.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
