Urban Agriculture and Architectural Regeneration: Shaping Sustainable Neighborhoods

The architectural regeneration of residential neighborhoods through the integration of green spaces and urban gardens represents an opportunity to preserve the cultural heritage linked to food and promote urban sustainability. Traditional agricultural practices, such as local cultivation and food sharing, have always characterized the relationship between communities, architecture and territory. In contemporary urban contexts, the revival of these activities through the design of green spaces can contribute to food security, biodiversity protection and the improvement of quality of life, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda goals for Sustainable Development. Both national and international experiences demonstrate how architecture can effectively integrate urban agriculture, fostering more resilient and self-sufficient communities. The design proposal for the Verderuolo district of Potenza fits into this perspective, which envisages its regeneration through the inclusion of urban gardens and local markets, to strengthen the link between food and social community. This study investigates the role of architecture in the revitalization of residential neighborhoods through urban agriculture, illustrating how the integration of city, food, and landscape can contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and culturally respectful future for local food traditions.