LEARNING BY DOING: PARTICIPATORY DESIGN AND ADAPTIVE REUSE TO REVITALISE AN OLD HAMLET

The University, in its institutional role, is actively engaged in promoting the 'Third Mission', i.e. in adopting an approach aimed at socio-economic and environmentally aware growth, through the enhancement and dissemination of knowledge. In this perspective, participatory design, involving stakeholders, can generate tangible results derived from teaching and research activities, with a significant impact on the territory and social dynamics. In this specific context, the valorisation of inland hamlets emerges as a promising prospect in which this approach proves its effectiveness, offering design solutions aimed at enhancing the development of the territory and preserving the cultural identity derived from the Genius Loci. In this scenario, the Participatory Workshop tool emerges as a key element, facilitating engaging activities and sessions that actively stimulate students in idea generation and problem solving. The Workshop "Enhancement and Recovery of the Castle Complex" conducted as part of the design training activity promoted by the DICEA and CITTAM of the University of Naples Federico II, with the involvement of the Pro Castello Association, the Campania section of the Italian Castles Institute and the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", field-tested this tool, inviting a group of students to think about adaptive reuse and design interesting solutions for the ancient Castle Complex of Forino [AV]. The contribution of direct stakeholders (citizens, entrepreneurs, administrators, tourists, etc.), holders of a wealth of knowledge consisting of experience and culture of the places, proved indispensable for the production of coherent, sustainable and effective design solutions, able to stimulate the administration's action plans, by means of solutions that are non-invasive and integrated with the surrounding environment and place. In addition, the involvement of external experts provided further added value linked to the interdisciplinary nature that guided the design work. The groups involved were entrusted with different areas of Borgo Castello to analyse the multiple aspects that characterise these places and to produce versatile solutions aimed at enhancing history, traditional culture and nature, from a sustainable and regenerative perspective to shape the future of this area. Meetings with stakeholders and historical memory were fundamental to inspire new visions of the castle village and the monumental complex of the Sanctuary of San Nicola, with the adjoining ruins of the medieval fortification.