Inclusive paths for the experimentation of ecological solutions. Application of participatory strategies at the Unipa Campus

The implementation of greening strategies within university environments has gained growing relevance in recent years, as part of a broader reflection on sustainable development, urban resilience, and environmental well-being. Within the consolidated framework of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), academic campuses are increasingly recognized as living laboratories where ecological interventions can contribute to climate adaptation, social inclusion, and educational innovation [2,3]. In particular, universities in Mediterranean contexts face pressing challenges due to recurrent heatwaves and high solar radiation, which compromise the usability of outdoor spaces and exacerbate thermal discomfort. In such settings, greenery can serve not only an aesthetic function but also act as a climate-responsive infrastructure capable of enhancing microclimatic performance, stimulating sustainable behaviors, and activating underutilized areas . Despite this growing awareness, many campuses still present fragmented and inconsistent applications of green infrastructure, often disconnected from spatial functionality and environmental performance [1]. This condition is evident at the University of Palermo (Unipa), where the distribution of green systems is uneven and frequently uncoordinated with the actual use and accessibility of spaces. Several zones remain underused or completely abandoned, especially where vegetation is scarce or inappropriately integrated into the architectural and climatic context [2]. Among these neglected areas, the chapel courtyard emerges as a particularly emblematic case. Despite the architectural and symbolic value of the chapel itself, the surrounding open space is characterized by harsh microclimatic conditions, lack of shading and seating, and an overall absence of spatial quality [2]. These factors have contributed to its progressive abandonment and have prevented the area from serving as a meaningful public space within the campus fabric.