Zaha Hadid Architects Chosen to Head East Naples Revitalization Initiative
# **Zaha Hadid Architects’ Masterplan for Napoli Porta Est: A Visionary Future for Eastern Naples**
## **Revamping a Neglected Urban Area**
The eastern part of Naples has historically faced issues of disconnection, characterized by disjointed urban development, insufficient public areas, and safety worries. Once a thriving industrial center, this locale deteriorated as heavy industries ceased operations, leaving extensive tracts of underused land isolated from the remainder of the city.
Acknowledging the need for change, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has introduced an ambitious initiative: the **Napoli Porta Est masterplan**. This groundbreaking scheme seeks to **relink scattered areas, rejuvenate vacant buildings, and enhance infrastructure** to usher in a new age of sustainability and urban integration for the region.
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## **Turning Industrial Wastelands into Vibrant Green Spaces**
Central to ZHA’s vision is the **redevelopment of more than 30 hectares** of long-abandoned industrial land, including unused railway yards and rundown factories. Over **10 hectares will be transformed into green areas**, plazas, and an urban park featuring indigenous tree species—creating essential green zones in an area typically dominated by concrete.
In addition, a **massive 100-hectare region**, previously housing a defunct oil depot, will be redeveloped into a **thriving new city quarter**. This ambitious overhaul will feature civic spaces, contemporary facilities, and essential public services, revitalizing the district while focusing on accessibility and eco-friendliness.
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## **Mitigating Urban Congestion with Smart Transit Solutions**
Similar to numerous cities, Naples grapples with persistent **traffic congestion**, especially at crucial junctions linking the area to national transport systems. ZHA’s masterplan tackles this issue by incorporating a **multi-modal transport interchange** positioned underground to alleviate congestion and enhance pedestrian movement.
A standout feature of the project is a **new regional train station**, significantly improving accessibility for the area. Moreover, a **pedestrian bridge will link Napoli Porta Est to the Centro Direzionale business district**, further promoting urban mobility.
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## **A New Civic Icon: The Campania Region Headquarters**
A vital component of the redevelopment is the creation of the **Campania Region Headquarters**, an architectural marvel intended to function as a **civic center that is inviting and inclusive**.
The **compact tower design** promotes **energy efficiency** and **reduces its environmental impact**, allowing for more public green areas. The building takes advantage of natural ventilation and daylight while providing **sweeping views** of the **Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and surrounding landscapes**, seamlessly merging the city’s beautiful geography into its architectural identity.
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## **Leading in Sustainability and Resilience**
Beyond its visual appeal and infrastructure, the **Napoli Porta Est masterplan prioritizes sustainability at its foundation**. ZHA’s approach incorporates:
– **7,000 square meters (over 75,000 square feet) of solar panels** on roofs and canopies.
– **Leveraging local geothermal energy resources** to enhance renewable energy usage.
– **A water recycling system** that sustains greenery while **cutting potable water use by 60%**.
Moreover, green areas will **help mitigate flooding** through smart drainage systems inspired by the **”sponge city” concept**, aiding in the natural absorption of excess rainwater. These strategies also address the **urban heat island effect**, ensuring that green spaces contribute to cooling the urban environment.
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## **A Transformative Vision for the Future of Naples**
ZHA’s Napoli Porta Est masterplan triumphed in an **international design contest** sponsored by key regional and municipal entities, including the **Campania Region, Naples City Council, FS Sistemi Urbani, and rail operator EAV**.
This revolutionary urban revitalization initiative highlights how innovative architecture and **sustainable urban design** can restore life to overlooked areas, reconnecting them to the larger urban tapestry.
With **Napoli Porta Est**, **Zaha Hadid Architects envisions a greener, more integrated, and forward-looking Naples**—a model of eco-friendly urban redevelopment that could inspire cities globally.
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### **About Zaha Hadid Architects**
For further details on this project and other trailblazing architectural ventures, visit Zaha Hadid Architects:
🔗 **Website**: [Zaha Hadid Architects](https://www.zaha-hadid.com/)
📌 **Facebook**: [@ZHANews](https://www.facebook.com/ZHANews)
📷 **Instagram**: [@zahahadidarchitects](https://www.instagram.com/zahahadidarchitects/)
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