Rehabilitation of the Walled City - Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Aga Khan Development Network
 

Rehabilitation of the Walled City

Rehabilitation of the Walled City

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus (Europe)
Architect: Nicosia Master Plan Team
Client: Mustafa Akinci, Lellos Demetriades
Completed: 1997
Site size: 2'000'000 m²

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Rehabilitation of the Walled City Project Brief

The aim of the programme is to preserve the cultural and architectural legacy of the now-divided Walled City, provide the impetus for new private investments, enhance the quality of life, attract new residents, strengthen economic activity and, ultimately, re-establish the role of the historic centre in the contemporary city. The project is a European-funded initiative and executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Six main projects have been implemanted to date on both sides of the divided city.

  • The power-station located in the southern section of the old city, was built between 1913 and 1936. It has been converted into the Municipal Modern Art Centre.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • Social and cultural services are being set up: there are cultural centres that host exhibitions and offers classes in various subjects.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • The city includes hundred of buildings of various uses: residential, commercial, cultural, educational.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • A major concern was to maintain and enhance the original function of the baths (which have been in continuous use since around 1571) by installing modern mechanical, wastewater and electrical services.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • The restoration has allowed the baths to take on a new function as a venue for larger social gatherings.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • A very important aspect of the project has been to preserve the historical heritage of Nicosia's buildings and the urban fabric.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • The existing street network was respected and pedestrianisation introduced whenever possible.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • Patterns in pavement in the southern section of the city show symbol of Nicosia and indicate route of a walking tour in the walled city.

    © Dimitri VATTIS

  • The Arabahmet area, in the northern part of the city along the buffer zone, and its mosque were rehabilitated during the first phase of implementation of the project.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The walled city provides not only a setting with a rich architectural and urban heritage , but also a healthy urban environment where all services are within walking distance, where pedestrian movement takes priority over vehicular traffic.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The courtyard of the restored sixteenth-century Buyuk Khan in the northern section of the city includes a tourist information centre, souvenir shops, and eating establishments.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The walking tour in the walled city is indicates by panels with a common layout on both sides.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The walled city of Nicosia is highly sustainable on its own as a place to live and do business, as well as a popular destination for both local residents and tourists.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The restored Samanbahce housing complex in the northern section of the city was originally built between 1900 and 1955.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • The city is functioning quite well and a reversal of the deterioration has taken root.

    © Farrokh DERAKHSHANI

  • Vehicular traffic was reorganised and dedicated parking spaces were provided in various parts of the city.

    © Hasan HUSEYEN

  • Map of the walled city

    © AKTC

  • Map of the walled city with the buffer zone

    © AKTC

2007 Award Recipients