Il gigante in mostra. Attestare, rivelare, dimostrare: il contributo del DiARC al risveglio dell’ex Ospedale Militare

The verb “to show” encompasses a wide range of meanings: to demonstrate, reveal, make visible, explain, teach, and more. These definitions intersect with the various ways in which Architecture – and architectural design – engages with the public. The communicative dimension of architecture often retains complex meanings and values that are not always accessible to the general public. One significant aspect of this interaction involves involving and informing citizens about “practical” architecture, which directly influences their lives and the built environment. Among the global architectural exhibitions, the Venice Biennale of Architecture remains a central event, with its value, significance, and impact shaping contemporary research and trends. The Department of Architecture at the University of Naples Federico II (DiARC) engaged with this theme by contributing to the revitalization of the former SS. Trinità delle Monache convent through the Urbact 2nd Chance program. This initiative brought together various stakeholders to propose new design ideas for the complex. The DiARC organized exhibitions, debates, and collaborative activities that aimed to make the architectural potential of this site visible to both the local community and the wider public. Three key exhibitions were held: the first in 2017 as part of Napoli's Maggio dei Monumenti, the second involving workshops and design seminars, and the third as part of the final event of the Urbact project in 2018. These exhibitions not only showcased the architectural heritage of the former military hospital but also highlighted the role of academia in creating meaningful, practical contributions to urban regeneration. Through these efforts, DiARC demonstrated the potential of architecture as a tool for public engagement, showing how academic institutions can bridge the gap between theory and practice, shaping the future of cities in collaboration with communities, institutions, and students.