zaha hadid architects reveals masterplan for naples' transformation

Zaha Hadid Architects’ proposal for Napoli Porta est masterplan

Reconnecting the fragmented urban fabric of Naples is the primary objective of Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) Napoli Porta Est masterplan proposal, named winner of the design competition. Encouraging the sustainable and resilient urban transformation of the derelict industrial zone in the Italian city, the masterplan introduces infrastructure capable of adaptation, as well as the creation of a new urban park and the reclamation of the disused railway yards for public use.

Additionally, the new Campania Region Headquarters is a defining architectural element within the Napoli Porta Est masterplan. Conceived as an accessible civic hub, the towers combine high-energy performance with bioclimatic strategies. Their compact form optimizes energy efficiency, with a dynamic facade system mitigating solar heat gain and maximizing natural light. North-facing openings allow natural light to permeate the buildings without excessive glare, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Passive cooling, green roofs, and a hybrid concrete–steel construction system allow the project to meet its sustainability goals.

images courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects

expansive urban park to reconnect naples with nature

The eastern edge of Naples has long suffered from physical and psychological barriers stemming from its abandoned railway yards and disused industrial sites. Isolated and considered unsafe, the inadequate public spaces of the district hinder mobility and social interaction. Through the architects’ team vision, the former maintenance railyard on the eastern edge of Naples and its industrial zone is undergoing one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects, spanning 15 hectares—comparable in scale to London’s King’s Cross development.

Central to the Napoli Porta Est masterplan is to multiply green spaces that reconnect the city with nature. Zaha Hadid Architects, in collaboration with the American landscape architect Martha Schwartz, turns over 10 hectares into an expansive urban park featuring native trees and biodiverse landscapes. The plan also proposes pedestrian-friendly environments, with shaded walkways and plazas extending from Porta Nolana to the new park and transport hubs.

reconnecting the city’s fragmented urban fabric is the primary objective of the masterplan

enhancing accessibility and walkabilitY of the city

Napoli Porta Est masterplan reclaims over 30 hectares of derelict land, including the former Manifattura Tabacchi factory and other neglected buildings in the Feltrinelli industrial zone, to create vibrant civic spaces. Additionally, the winning proposal sets the foundation for future redevelopment, aiming for the transformation of over 100 hectares of obsolete industrial land, such as the Q8 oil depot, into a new city quarter rich in public amenities.

A key aspect of the project is resolving the severe traffic congestion that the area’s residents face daily. By redesigning one of Naples’ primary interchanges, which serves as a gateway to the national transport network, the project makes multi-modal connectivity between the Centro Direzionale, Napoli Centrale Station, and the surrounding districts easier. The addition of a new regional rail station and pedestrian infrastructure, including an elevated walkway linking to the Centro Direzionale, improves accessibility and walkability.

the site was abandoned and derelict for decades

introducing photovoltaic and recycled water system strategies

Zaha Hadid Architects incorporates cutting-edge climate resilience strategies, taking into consideration Naples’ commitment to sustainable urban development. A pedestrianized neighborhood concept strengthens local connectivity, reducing car dependency. The public spaces integrate ‘sponge city’ principles, absorbing stormwater to mitigate flooding and urban heat island effects. A 7,000-square-meter photovoltaic system powers essential infrastructure, while recycled water systems decrease potable water consumption by 60%. Geothermal energy supplements heating and cooling needs, aligning the project with LEED Platinum and Class A NZEB standards.

the new Campania Region Headquarters is a defining architectural element within the masterplan

north-facing openings enhance daylighting without excessive glare

green roofs, and a hybrid concrete–steel construction system allow the project to meet its sustainability goals

the towers balance high energy performance with bioclimatic strategies

project info:

name: Napoli Porta Est Masterplan

architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

location: Naples, Italy

masterplanning: Zaha Hadid Architects

responsible director: Michele Pasca di Magliano

director (rail & TOD): Filippo Innocenti

design director: Maria Tsironi

project associates: Andrea Balducci Caste, Cristina Barrios Cabrera, Domenico Di Francesco, Torsten Broeder, Vincenzo Barilari

design team: Bechara Malkoun, Cemre Demirci, Cherry Lee, Ghanem Younes, Hanadi Izzuddin, Haoyue Zhang, HyunJin Kim, Irfan Bhakrani, Martina Rosati, Olivia Dolan, Sera Su Abac, Yaseen Bhatti, Jing Xu

workplace analytics: Uli Blum, Lorena Espaillat Bencosme, Danial Haziq Hamdan, Christoph Geiger

sustainability: Abhilash Menon, Aditya Ambare, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Disha Shett

acquisitions: Marcella Fedele

local architect: Barracco Smith

structural and civil engineering: Interpogetti SRL

M&E engineering: Macchiaroli & Partners

landscape design: Martha Schwartz Partners

artist and lighting design: Jason Bruges Studio

cost consultant: BC Consulting

traffic and urban mobility: MiC-HUB

safety in construction: Gianni Artuso

archeologo: Viviana Mancusi