The [Anti]Festival of Conservation

The '[Anti]Festival of Conservation' in Naples addresses the erosion of local identity caused by tourism, which distorts the city’s authentic culture. Traditional crafts and rituals are vanishing, replaced by commercialised experiences. This proposal reimagines neglected spaces, preserving architecture while reviving forgotten traditions. It examines how societies remember and forget through rituals and the built environment. By emphasizing local craftsmanship, the project offers an immersive journey, challenging conventional conservation and safeguarding Naples’ unique cultural identity.

The [Anti]Festival of Conservation for Naples addresses the city’s forgotten crafts, fading traditions, and deteriorating sense of identity. It counters the pressures of urban development and mass tourism by reimagining underutilised spaces and preserving existing architecture, offering an alternative conservation approach. It revisits a time when theater and the city were mutually formative. The project spans two districts, comprising five interventions, including a Living Workshop, Institute of Craft, Vertical Gallery,[Anti]Festival Terminal, and a Collector that guides visitors on an experiential journey. The project examines how societies remember and forget through collective rituals and events. Local materials are celebrated to reconnect people to their origins while emphasising the importance of passing down knowledge through generations. It creates an architectural design that captures the dramatic sense of Naples that Walter Benjamin and Asja Lacis' had observed in it as “a theater of new, unforeseen constellations” while demonstrating an admiration for its distinct identity and cultural heritage. It is medium for intentional and unintentional messages left behind, allowing others to discover Naples' authentic culture. Participants embark on a journey starting at the former quarry site in Sanita District, where a living workshop preserves craftsmanship through carving tuffo cliffs. New architectural elements are integrated into Naples' historic fabric, adding layers to traditional facades. The act of making, rooted in Naples’ authenticity, guides the city’s restoration and growth. This project redefines the connection between the city, its people, and traditions, allowing them to engage with the city in a fresh way, evoking both recognition and discovery.