Isula Comun

This lemonade is a common good and other commoning practices in Procida

Abstract Isula Comun is a project situated in Procida, the cultural capital of Italy in 2022, that aims to understand and foster care for the commons in order to support activities that benefit both inhabitants and visitors of the island. The project approaches commons as “doing together” while recognizing the potential to reclaim space for public participation. It is based on the exploration of existing and potential commoning practices in Procida and is connected to the network of commons of the city of Naples. The research conducted over the course of the project contributes to experimenting the role design can play in valuing commons and using them as a framework for approaching a way of living that is compatible with social and ecological needs.

This Lemonade is a Common Good: Questa Limonata è un Bene Comune

The lemonade stand is the central research-through-design (RtD) tool of the project Isula Comun. The aim being to engage in discussions with the public about the “beni comuni” of Procida and answering what they think can be done together to better make use of and care for those commons. In this methodology, the lemons were collected from Procidani and made into lemonade, which then served as a basic example of a common good. Behind the walls of Procida are an abundance of lemon trees dispersed in gardens. Lemons are a symbol that Procidani are proud of for their unique characteristics, mainly the extra thick white pith perfect for making a savory lemon salad.

Collecting lemons and passing through Piazza Olmo, Procida

Lemonade stand at the lungomare of Chiaiolella, Procida

Other Commoning Practices in Procida

The reality is that there are already many commoning practices already exist in Procida, even if they are not described as such by those who are initiating them. The lemonade stand worked best when positioned next to those other activities such as a flea market organized by a neighborhood association (Associazione Chiaiolella Borgo Marinaro) or a private garden which became a semi-public space for displaying a scholastic art show (Visioni Parallele).

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Isula Comun thesis book

Isula Comun thesis presentation