DESIGN MANIFESTO

 

 

The border in Nicosia has played a significant role in the social and urban formation of the city. Therefore parts of it should be preserved regardless of the political decisions as a future reference of the historical events. It is an educational tool of historical and cultural importance.

 

However instead of unifying the urban fabric as many have suggested in the past, the project strives to preserve the enclosure but enhancing it through the preservation of the architectural value of the area, providing new activities and facilities for new shared cultural experiences that will bring people together, therefore contributing to the formation of the new collective memory and identity of Nicosia’s society after unification.

What is more, the analysis revolves around the border area, its conditions, behaviour, legacy and multi -dynamic spatial character. The project addresses the issues of mental segregation by suggesting the overcoming of them through the exploitation and preservation of the physical barrier (not only the architectural heritage encapsulated with the buffer zone, but the whole border area within the walled city of Nicosia) by maintaining it as a cultural, public and archaeological site of social and economic interest.

 

Most importantly, it teaches that limitations imposed on us should not be an obstacle but in fact we can turn them into our own benefit. The Buffer Zone does not limit rather it gives a different perspective on reality while it provides an opportunity.