'O Vic e Mar
Via Mare is located next to the excavations of Herculaneum, between the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Despite being at the centre of the main attractions of Herculaneum, on the axis that connects Via Pugliano to the sea, it has long remained peripheral and little frequented by residents and visitors. For this reason, it has been the subject of a major urban regeneration initiative for the areas that unite the ancient and modern city, organised by the Packard Humanities Institute, the Archaeological Park and the Municipality of Herculaneum, which is currently being implemented. This initiative has led to the recent inauguration of the new Carlo di Borbone square, in an attempt to reconnect the various points of the historical centre.
Since January 2024, the 'O vic e mar' project has been underway, with the aim of creating a neighbourhood unit that can be at the centre of the transformation of the area.
Through a co-design process between the Variabile K team and the children and young people who live in the Via Mare area, the aim is to stimulate a sense of belonging and to develop a cohesive community that can take care of the space (community of care).
THE METHOD | PARTICIPATORY DESIGN
PHASE I: ENGAGEMENTThrough several introductory meetings, the team built a bond of trust with the young people of the neighbourhood, listening to and analysing their perceptions of Herculaneum, and actively involving them in investigation, research and action activities through tools such as interactive questionnaires, maps and graphic representations.
PHASE II: CO-DESIGNParticipatory construction of furniture and temporary installations for the public space. In woodworking workshops dedicated to them, the young people contributed to the creation of foldable seats and litter bins using recycled materials. The furniture was then personalised by painting, decorating and engraving with the 3D printer.
PHASE III: PLANNING
Planning of interventions and events to be carried out in the area through participatory architecture and territorial animation workshops.
In this phase, the foundations were laid for the structuring of an Instagram profile for Via Mare, managed by the young people of the neighbourhood, so that they could manage the communication of future events themselves, with the support of the Variabile K team.
Part of this module was the planning of four open-air cinema evenings in the Campetto di Via Mare area, designed and communicated to the neighbourhood public together with the young people. The films were selected through WhatsApp group polls.
The initiative was commissioned by the Packard Humanities Institute in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.