Past-present articulation in historical downtown public spaces. The case of Naples

Abstract

This paper reflects on intervention strategies in public spaces located on the historic downtown of cities, from now on CH, and how those actions that incorporate new architecture, seek through public space the articulation between society and cultural heritage (historical, archaeological, architectural, urban, artistic), proposing the latter as a central and articulating element that the whole society can afford, and thus, bringing the past to the present. Having stated this, the case of intervention is presented: the metropolitan metro network in the CH of the city of Naples. This city and in particular, its CH, is a clear example of obvious public space deficiencies, a shared trait with many Latin American cities. Therefore, the problem of its intervention is complex and shouldnt be ignored. This document is organized around three triggering questions pursuing a dual purpose. Firstly, we elaborate a brief theoretical approach involving the implications of CH public spaces. Then, we describe the case study unit. Finally, we reflect on outcome of the articulation between urban archeology of public space and new architectural interventions. The methodology is exploratory involving the analysis and discussion of specialiazed bibliography that adresses the delimitation of the theoretical basis for this proposal and qualitative fieldwolk in Naples University, Italy.