With originally seven stepped blocks, the “Sails of Scampia” were one of the largest social housing projects in Italy. Given that most of the service facilities, such as stores and kindergartens were never realized, the complex swiftly fell into disrepair and became a social flashpoint. The complex has formed the backdrop for several mafia movies and documentaries.

Strongly in need of modernization, three of the seven buildings were torn down in 1997–2003. The group Vulcanica Architettura tried to save the remaining buildings. Demolition started in January 2019.