Margini come spazi epistemici. Il design meridiano tra teoria e territorio

This contribution introduces the concept of “Southern design” as an epistemological paradigm rather than a geographical condition. Through case studies spanning cultural institutions, craft networks, and fashion systems, it argues that Southern Italy represents a laboratory for alternative modernities grounded in territorial knowledge, collaboration, and cultural production. Challenging dominant narratives centered on industrial northern models, the text highlights how contexts such as Naples and Palermo have developed a design culture focused on processes, education, and social activation rather than mass production. Projects such as DeinSite and RHITA demonstrate how design can foster systemic innovation by integrating local identities with global networks. Ultimately, the paper redefines margins as epistemic spaces from which new design theories, practices, and plural futures can emerge.