Architecture studios: Zaha Hadid Architects

Main sponsor: European Structural Funds

Year completed: 2021

Materials: reinforced concrete, glass, and marble for the bridge. Grass, compacted soil, porous concrete and granite slabs based on a gravel layer for the moat.

Total area: 35,200 m² public space, built spaces 7,175 m².

Prizes:

• 2022 State Architecture Award (Cyprus), category “Outstanding Architectural Project”
• International Architecture Award 2022, by the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design

City / regional background

Eleftheria (Freedom) square is located adjacent to the venetian walls of Nicosia. The walls are a masterpiece of the Venetian defensive art of the 16 century and have a geometric shape following the principles of the Renaissance ideal city.

During British colonial period, the city's expansion beyond the walls prompted the creation of new entrances to connect the old city to the newly developed areas. Eleftheria square is located at one of those first openings.

Over the years, the square developed as the central gathering place of the capital city, the focus of celebrations of major events, such as political rallies, manifestations, historic and important symbolic events.

Given Nicosia has been a divided city since 1974, and has experienced environmental degradation and social disintegration, the municipality has recently prioritised the revitalisation of public open spaces. The adopted planning strategy aims to redevelop the urban core as a multifunctional centre and to improve the built environment and public realm.

Solution

The final project came through an architectural competition, awarded to Zaha Hadid Architects. The redevelopment of the square aspired to exploit the environment of the Venetian walls and its surrounding moat, to create a pleasant circular park on the outskirts of the old city. The project aimed to organically link the functions of the historic centre with those of the contemporary city, providing facilities for all the communities living in Nicosia.

The project is developed on two levels: the city level and the moat level, seamlessly connected through a system of staircases, ramps and elevators.

At the upper level, the bridge forms a new civic square that links the historic city with the modern central business district.

The lower moat level was designed as an urban park featuring gardens, palm-lined promenades, and water elements, all contributing to the improvement of the area's microclimate. The project has provided a range of public amenities in the park, including an amphitheatre, both open and covered spaces for public events, a children playground, cafeterias, an information centre, a cycle route, and walking trails. Additionally, 220 trees were strategically planted in green islands to provide shade without obstructing views of the walls.

Criteria for high-quality (context, sense of place, diversity, beauty)

• The new design had to adapt to and enhance the constraints and opportunities of the heritage space, as set during collaborations by the Antiquities Department, which is responsible for safeguarding the Venetian walls. The effort to adapt to the historic environment led to the exploration of alternative solutions, redesigns, and investigation of a large array of materials.
• The project maintains a contemporary character, while also respecting the monument. As the Antiquities Department did not allow any construction within the moat, all built surfaces had to be redrawn and accommodated under the pavements of the surrounding roads. The paving pattern and architectural elements follow a fluid geometry inspired by the surrounding urban environment
• The redesign of Eleftheria square achieved a balance of soft and hard surfaces. Surface materials used are soft such as grass and compacted soil, while hard surfaces are based on gravel, and placed in a way that allows the subsoil of the moat to breathe.   Contemporary materials and technologies as well as electromechanical systems coexist with the historic environment.
• New businesses and hospitality/recreation developments have developed in the area. Old empty buildings were refurbished, and ground floor spaces of surrounding buildings are transformed into recreational spaces. Municipal buildings and old banks have been repurposed as cultural and training spaces.

Governance and management

The municipality established a decision-making group including the mayor, four directors of departments, and the project coordinator. The project had a full-time team consisting of a project coordinator, clerk of works, three administration officers and four part time officers for specific issues.

Public departments permanently involved with the management and funding process: the European Funds Unit of the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of European Programmes Coordination, and the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance.

Involved in specific technical and professional issues: the Antiquities Department, the Public Works Department, the Town Planning and Housing Department, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, the Water Board of Nicosia, the Telecommunication Authority and other private telecommunication companies.

Budget and financing

The budget for the construction costs of the project was €28 980 000 (85% from EU Structural funds, 10% from the Municipality and 5% from the Government of Cyprus). 

Transferable ideas

Tips from the city

• Develop a dynamic and ambitious vision remaining optimistic despite adversities.
• Aim at innovative solutions even if they seem impossible at a first glance.
• Large scale urban projects are not always easy to communicate with the public who may have concerns about changes in their daily lives. Use a wide network of partners, including urban planners, architects, artists, who can share the vision in an innovative way and discuss openly with locals.