Case Study C: Averno

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Area Averno
Place Pozzuoli
Country Italy
Topics Volcanos, sensitive landscape
Author(s) Alexandra Lungu, Asif Adnan, Bianca Ivascu, Bruna Spagnol, Dario Esposito, Ema Plopeanu, Helene-Terese Jürgenson, Virginia Cuneo
Location of the Sttudyarea.jpg

Rationale

When looking rapidly to this area, one can notice where mystery of the location is adapting to reality, creating an extraordinary landscape. Composed of the beach, mountains, volcanic lakes and a collection of cultural heritage. Going more in depth with landscape analysis, it is realized that the complexity of the geomorphology is a challenge for the human development, due to small free areas available. This pressure caused by the human needs risks the unique vegetation in the volcanic areas, so important for the maintenance of the local ecosystem. This disturbance would affect dramatically the existing blue and green connections.

The tectonic and volcanic activities that shaped Italy are huge threats as well, once it is not possible to control them. With technology, it is possible to prevent catastrophes and human losses, but material damages are always in stake. Matters such evacuation routes and procedures, shelter, water and food in cases of natural disasters are especially important in this location.

Regarding our abilities as architects and landscape architects, it is our priority to raise awareness about the relevance of the locals as well as keep in mind the quality of life of the inhabitants, their connection with the environment and sustainability of new developments.

Location and scope

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A Landscape System Analysis

A.1 Landscape layers and their system context

Geomorphology, landscape units and coastal typology

The formation of Italy as we know is the result of a series of complex sismic movements, starting from the collision between the African and European tectonic plaques. The sequence of collisions created the long chain of montains that crosses the country from south to north, the Alpenines. Smaller geografical accidents happened due to the phenomena, which, combined with the volcanic activities, led to the nowadays morphology.

In Pozzuoli, it is not different: lakes, shores and reefs tell us the evolution of the landscape. Today, both sismic and volcanic activities remain quiet, but not long ago, in the 1980's, Pozzuoli had to move around 50m ahead from its original location due to a rapid rising of the earth surface. Combined with the stress caused by populational growth, the town could a major change on its landscapes


Land use

The study area is mainly characterized by residential, agricultural and touristic activities.

The agriculture consists mainly of fishing, pomiculture, viticulture and greenhouses. Those are divided in different zones: fish farming on the coast and vineyards, orchards and greenhouses towards the mainland. Tourism is a present and visible activity on the coast and close to the Lake Averno and Lake Lucrino and to the natural heritage elements.

Regarding settlements, the configuration of the land (coast, volcanic cones and lakes) limits the expansion of the built area and the Averno Zone is in need of housing facilities. If the housing activities expand, the farmlands which are important to the local economy, will be endangered.

The main infrastructure consists of three main railways: the Cumana Railway, The Circumflegrea railway which is a commuter railway line that connects Naples city center with the northern Phlegraean Fields, a suburban area located west of the city and line 2 which is a commuter rail service operated by Trenitalia in the city of Naples, Italy that connects 12 stations. Also in the study area we can find the A56 highway - which cuts Pozzuoli in half(the administrative area and the colective housing on one side,and the Hospital and the individual housing on the other side of Pozzuoli). The local road sistem is permeable enough, but the public transportation that connects the Averno area with the rest of the region is made possible only by train, which is slow, resulting in a bad connection especially with Napoli.

Resource extraction is based on geothermally heated groundwater which are appealing for tourists. The Averno study area has many recreation centers based on thermal waters.

A large percentage of the study zone consists of two volcanic lakes(Averno and Lucrino) and the Regional Park of Campi Flegrei(on the Monte Nuovo volcano). The coast is highly urbanized with the presence of the railway and the touristic activities. Although he railway conects the study area with the City of Naples, on a local perspective, it acts like a physical and visual barrier between the coast and the mainland.

Energy production consists, at the scale of Campania region, mainly in electricity production from wind power which increased over tenfold from 2002 to 2015.

The study area which is a part of Campania region has many diverse activities from agriculture to housing to tourism, but without a coherent strategy the area will remain non-pedestrian friendly and with poor interconnection in a regional system regarding the public transport.

  • Averno Land Use

    Averno Land Use

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Green/blue infrastructure

The study area has strong elements of both blue and green infrastructure.

The blue elements are represented by the lakes of Averno and Lucrino, the seafront of Pozzuoli and Lucrino, the underwater archaeological reserve of Lucrino, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Also, the entire area benefits from the geothermally heated groundwater.

The green elements are represented by the Monte Nuovo volcano (where the Regional Park of Campi Flegrei is located) a small part of the Monte Gauro, the crater of Averno, and the Lucrino Coast.

Although both green and blue elements have a strong presence in the territory, and are of high importance in the future economic development of the coast, they are undervalued (on a touristic perspective) because of the rather shallow links between them. Another issue which regards the Phlegrean coast, is represented by the level of pollution of the sea, which impacts on an ecological perspective the marine biodiversity, and on an economic perspective, the level of attractiveness of the area for tourists. (for as long as bathing on the coast is not allowed because of the sea pollution).

The proactive actions towards improving the green-blue infrastructure of the Averno region will result in an increase in ecological awareness, protection of the marine biodiversity, and in the development of the local economy.


  • Green & Blue Infrastructure - Averno

    Green & Blue Infrastructure - Averno

  • Your case green blue infrastructure2.jpg

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Actors and stakeholders

Actors and stakeholders Thanks to the stakeholders' analysis it is possible to outline the actors of the study area and prioritize them by power and interest. The area is part of the Municipality of Pozzuoli, one of the 92 comuni belonging to the Metropolitan City of Naples and it is the main city of the Phlegrean fields. The leading institutional actors involved are the Basin Authority, the province of Naples (Metropolitan City of Naples), Campania region and, of course, the Municipality that is responsible for more practical decisions.

In particular, the Basin Authority is an institution that operates at a national, interregional and regional level, on the catchment areas and deals with the defense of the soil and subsoil and the rehabilitation of water. The water catchment areas of the Phlegraean fields are managed by the "Regional north-western Campania Basin Authority" that has strong power in this area. The Campania Region has had a high interest in the Phlegraean area in recent years. This can be explained by several reasons, above all the proximity to the Bagnoli area, of which it should constitute the natural continuation in view of the conversion of the entire area into an area dedicated to tourism and entertainment.

Other actors involved, but with a low level of power, are the citizens that actively participate in the social and economic life of the study area. To the business owners belong a huge piece of stakeholders with a pretty strong interest in the area that can not be excluded (bars, restaurants, dog park, sports activities, spa, diving center, tourist accommodations).

The tourists could be considered as actors in this system too: they have not a particular power of decision in the development of Pozzuoli Municipality, even if they are not pretty much affected by the urban changes. Also, the citizens can be part of this analysis even if they do not have the power of decision and can not directly influence the area.


  • Power Map of Pozzuoli's Stakeholders

    Power Map of Pozzuoli's Stakeholders

  • Diagram showing the main business of the study area. Except for the farmhouses that are visited every year by Italian and foreign tourists, the other business are more intended for who live nearby.

    Diagram showing the main business of the study area. Except for the farmhouses that are visited every year by Italian and foreign tourists, the other business are more intended for who live nearby.

Sacred spaces and heritage

The study area consists of two very important landmarks: Apollo’s Temple and Terme Stufe di Nerone and also really important natural heritage elements: Lake Averno, Lake Lucrino, the Regional Park of Campi Flegrei and Monte Nuovo. The landmarks are close to the Lake Averno and Lake Lucrino and the natural heritage makes up about 40% of the study area.

The Thermae, usually called “Temple of Apollo” is found on the Eastern shore of Lake Averno and consists of two levels enriched by niches and windows, the plan is octagonal outside and circular shaped on the inside. The thermal baths at Terme Stufe di Nerone are positioned on the southern side of Lucrino Lake. The therapeutic benefits of thermal waters and the wonderful natural surroundings made the Terme Stufe di Nerone be very appealing to the citizens of ancient Rome. These thermal baths kept on improving over the years, becoming bigger up to the size that can be seen today.

Lake Averno is a roughly circular lake, measuring up to 2km in circumference and 60m in depth. This lake was of immense importance to the Romance since they believed to be the entrance to Hades. The lake used to be owned by the House of Bourbon, then by an aristocratic family who then sold it to Cardillo family. Finally the lake was seized by law enforcement in 2010. Lake Lucrino is found one km south of Lake Averno and is separated from the sea by a slim strip of land. The Lake used to be bigger but due to the cratered volcanic cone of Monte Nuovo it became smaller sincer 1538.

The Campi Flegrei Regional Park represents one of the most important parts of the region being a part of an intergrated landscape-cultural-environmental territorial system. The territory is characterized by the diverse landscape: coast, volcanic activity, thermal waters, natural ports and protected areas. Monte Nuovo is a volcanic cone that last erupted in 1528 due to damaging earthquakes and changes in land elevation. Its eruption is important because it was the first eruption described by a large number of witnesses.


  • You may add a map and some images, please also explain in your caption why these elements are valuable
  • Averno Study Area - Heritage

    Averno Study Area - Heritage

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Visual appearance and landscape narrative

This area, together with lake Averno and Lucrino and Monte Nuovo, is a place with many different narratives that have been embedded in the landscape throughout centuries. At first it held an importance to the Greek when it was a place with mystery, a darker undertone, it was a place of afterlife and fatality (according to the georgics of Virgil).

Then the Romans came and the building of Portus Julius started, changing the narrative from mystery to reality. The narrative was still about connecting people and places with one another, but this time it was about connecting ships with the sea and the lakes. During Roman times this place also carried a narrative of luxury and celebration with its growing architecture, thermal springs, green oysters and fish.

During centuries there has been a constant struggle between surrounding threats (like storms from the sea, earthquakes and erupting volcanoes) and creating an enjoyable haven. The geomorphology of the area is also something that is accountable for the diversity of narratives - for example change and humbleness. Since the area was and is located on the Phlegraean Fields there are changes happening in the landscape, resulting in the changes of people lives.

However after the eruption of Monte Nuovo in 1538 people started to notice the surrounding picturesque landscape and learned to embrace it through paintings and stories. Because of its vivid surroundings the area was quite popular among poets, like Vergilius, Omer, Alexandre Dumas etc. and artists, especially during the 18th-19th centuries among the Grand Tourists and landscape artists, like Pietro Fabris, Jacob Philipp Hackert, Richard Wilson, Gaspar Van Wittel etc. Nevertheless many created paintings, poems, stories and verses have an unknown author.

Looking at different paintings from 18th and 19th century one can see new narratives unfolding. On the paintings there are always people and viewpoints looking toward the sea, the lakes, and the surrounding landscape - the vulcanos, the mountains and vegetation. This kind of depicting creates a narrative of loneliness, looking out and waiting for something or someone out in the far (sea), longing to meet again. Even though these paintings might have an melancholic undertone, they are all portrayed in warm colors and sceneries. Referring to a narrative of enjoyment, where people understand and emphasize the surrounding landscape and the threats in it, and not letting it harm the haven they are living in. Comparing how the landscape is featured nowadays, one can say that the narratives of connecting, longing, enjoyment, change, danger, humbleness have been carried out to this day, and are still creating a feeling of a haven.


  • Richard Wilson - Lake Avernus and the Island of Capri (c. 1760)

    Richard Wilson - Lake Avernus and the Island of Capri (c. 1760)

  • Peter Fabris - Tufa at the bottom of the crater of Monte Nuovo near Pozzuoli (1770)

    Peter Fabris - Tufa at the bottom of the crater of Monte Nuovo near Pozzuoli (1770)

  • Jacob Philipp Hackert - Lago d'Averno (1794)

    Jacob Philipp Hackert - Lago d'Averno (1794)

  • Friedrich Carl Ludwig and Sickler - Lacus Lucrinus (1829)

    Friedrich Carl Ludwig and Sickler - Lacus Lucrinus (1829)

  • Conrad Peter Schreiber - View On The Lago D'Averno At Naples (1848)

    Conrad Peter Schreiber - View On The Lago D'Averno At Naples (1848)

  • Landscape narrative of historical and nowadays views

    Landscape narrative of historical and nowadays views

A.2 Summary of you landscape system analysis and your development Targets

Although there are several typologies of coastal landscape, it is known that all are more vulnerable than other environments in general. It is now widely agreed that climate change and rising sea levels can cause damage to coastal areas globally.

However, we can not forget the complexity of coastal processes and other pressures in this environment. Basic human subsistence needs such as housing, food and employment have different characteristics when compared to the same needs in other areas. Challenging geomorphology, unstable and often unproductive soils, limited economics, and intense tourism make coastal areas a sensitive place.

  • You can summarize your findings with an DPSI(R) Model or a Spider Diagram
  • Link back to the Sustainable Development Goals: Which goals are at risk?
  • What is your hypothesis for this landscape?
  • Visualise your hypothesis with one graphic/pict
  • Are there any existing initiatives taking action in this landscape? Do you have a critical perspective on that?
  • Add text and visuals


  • DPSIR for Averno Area

    DPSIR for Averno Area

A.3 Theory reflection

  • Reflect on at least three international policy documents in relation to their local landscape case
  • choose one international, one European and one national document
  • You can choose references from our reading list
  • Scope: 250 words

A.4 References

Phase B: Landscape Evaluation and Assessment

B.1 Assessment Strategy

  • Based on the hypothesis derived from your previous landscape systems analysis you are now asked to define the goals for assessing the landscape. Your assessment is the basis for evaluating the landscape status.
  • Which elements and phenomena need to be mapped, why and how?
  • This a text contribution, max 250 words

B.2 Mapping

  • As defined by your assessment strategy you conduct the mapping and present your findings here
  • As a minimum, at least three different themes need to be mapped, you may choose more if needed
  • Your case your assessment mapping themel.jpg

    briefly explain the findings of your mapping

  • Your case your assessment mapping theme2.jpg

    briefly explain the findings of your mapping

  • Your case your assessment mapping theme3.jpg

    briefly explain the findings of your mapping

B.3 Problem definition and priority setting

  • Give a summary of the major findings of your mapping process, what are the problems/potentials identified?
  • Draw a problems/potentials map
  • Set priorities for the most relevant issues
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B.4 Theory reflection

  • Please reflect the assessment and evaluation methods used based on at least three readings
  • Did you encounter limitations'
  • 200 words test contribution

B.5 References

  • give a full list of the references you have used for this section

Phase C – Strategy and Master Plan

C.1 Goal Setting

  • Define strategic planning objectives based on the evaluation findings
  • Link back to your original targets from section one and the Development Goals
  • 150 words text contribution

C.2 Spatial Strategy and Transect

  • translate your strategic goals into a vision
  • develop a spatial translation of your vision
  • exemplify your vision in the form of a transect with concrete interventions
  • add map(s) and visualizations
  • Your case spatial translaton vision.jpg

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  • Your case transect.jpg

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  • Your case transect detail1.jpg

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  • Your case transect detail2.jpg

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C.3 From Theory of Change to Implementation

  • For implementing your vision: Which partnerships are needed? Which governance model is required?
  • Who needs to act and how? Draw and explain a change/process model/timeline
  • Which resources are needed? On which assets can you build?
  • add 150 words text and visuals
  • Your case spatial your governance model.jpg

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  • Your case spatial your process model.jpg

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C.4 References

  • give a full list of the references you have used for this section

D. Process Reflection

  • Reflect in your intercultural and interdisciplinary team on the outcomes of your study
  • Which limitations were you facing?
  • What have you learnt from each other?
  • What would you do differently next time?
  • You can also use diagrams/visuals
  • 250 words text


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