ArgyrosSolomouArchitects

Participation 2005

(In collaboration with Filios Charalambides Architects)

 

Eleftheria square is a square marked in our collective memory as the most important square in Cyprus, marked in the island’s recent history for the large public gatherings that took place there.  A space that forms part of the city, located at the limits of the old city and its history, tries desperately to connect the past and the present.  The lack of important elements that ought to be present in a Square, as well as the numerous extensions and interventions that took place, have made this into a disorganized space with lack of identity, the most prominent part being the road on the embankment within the Moat.

GOALS

• To create a square which is a point of reference, centre of social and recreational activities.

• Total respect towards the History and the monument.

• Total restoration of the monument, physically as well as in character and of its identity as a defensive structure.

• Restore the continuation of the Moat and its original form.

• The harmonic connection of the old and new parts of the city, simultaneously marking their limits.

• Retain the existing trees and greenery.

 

MAIN IDEA

Converting the above goals into design parameters, taking into account and utilising the complexity and uniqueness of the area, we attempt to generate a Square in two levels and three dimensions, giving architectural expression to the fulfilment of the needs and uses of the space.

The two main elements that generate and create this square are the Square space, at the level of the moat, and the Bridge, at the level of the nearby streets.  Truth and substance are being restored, both for the bridge and the square.

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THE SQUARE

The square is located at the level of the moat, helping to organize the space.  It is surrounded by the Walls, the cultural center and the cafeteria, but at the same time overcomes those limits as it is connected and connects the old and new parts of the city.  So it becomes easily accessible.  The square becomes a Space, taking advantage of its limits and surroundings, metamorphosing from outdoors to semi-outdoors and into the cafeteria and cultural center, becoming their external extension.

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Locating the Square at the level of the moat, instead of locating it at the level of the nearby streets, presents numerous advantages:

• It takes into account human scale, as well as historic and planning considerations.

• Allows the restoration of the Walls to their former full glory, which can be appreciated not only from the Square, but also from the nearby streets.

• The re-unification of the Moat re-establishes the Walls as fortification works and re-identifies the limits of the old city.

• It avoids the creation of extensive “underground” spaces (under an elevated square) with clear height in the region of three meters only, which would potentially become a center of illegal and antisocial activities, and discourage the use of the space for social and recreational purposes.

• Allows the retention of all existing trees and the planting of new, creating an oasis of green, an essential element in a modern city.

• It reduces construction / project costs.

• It creates a space without the noise and nuisance of cars, safe for children and adults alike, center of social life, recreation and civilization.

 

BRIDGE

The bridge coexists with the Square in a relationship of dialogue.  It is a characteristic, everlasting, but always modern element which creates a unique picture, indelibly registered in the collective memory as a point of reference.  The whole complex of historical space and modern construction fulfill the prerequisites so that Eleftheria Square will be noted as one of the most characteristic squares in Europe.

The form of the bridge, awakes past memories and transfers them to the present.  It is the third dimension of the Square.  A landmark  visible from the whole area and the nearby streets.

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ACCESS

The Square is connected to the City through direct and visible access points, both at street level and at moat level.

The element of water is placed under the ramp to the old city in a way that emphasizes the feeling of climbing and reminds the coexistence of the Walls and the water in the Moat.

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ASCENT TOWERS

Four ascent towers are located along the Walls, connecting the Moat with the old city.  They are instantly recognizable, their form indicating their function, directing the public  and contributing to the functional and geometric organisation of the space, designating the beginning and end of the area of intervention.  They are inspired by the ancient siege towers and thus designate further the use of the Walls as fortress.  These elements may be repeated along the rest of the walls in future interventions.