Anatomy of the Wallpaper CYPRUS AT THE 14TH INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA
PAVILION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS 14th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia
CONTENTS Prologue
03
CURATORS Michael Hadjistyllis and Stefanos Roimpas
The Allegory of the Wallpaper
05
Installation
Archaeological Museum
06
Church of Apostle Varnavas & Saint Makarios
07
Gates
08
Eleftheria Square
09
Modernism
10
Hermou Street
11
COMMISSIONER Petros Dymiotis DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Hesperia Iliadou ORGANISERS Cyprus Ministry of Culture & Education Cyprus Architects Association Cyprus Civil Engineers & Architects Association ORGANISING COMMITTEE Spyros Th. Spyrou Charis Christodoulou Petros Dymiotis Vera Efthymiou-Parlalidou Ioanna Pelekanou Dinos Shiakallis Cristos Christodoulou Chrysanthos Pissarides Christos Chatzichristou Maria Hadjisotiriou Demetris Antoniou
12
SPONSORS TU Delft - European Post-Master in Urbanism (EMU) Cyprus Tourism Organisation Community Board of Alithinou Phileleftheros Syntheseis SUPPORTERS Nicosia Municipality P&S Carton Industries Dimco Commandaria Alasia
Extrusion I
Archiepiscopal Complex
13
Exterior/Interior Space
14
Balcony
16
Sandstone
17
Gynekopazaro
18
Refugee Settlements
19
Nicosia International Airport
20
Industrial Evolution
21
Ledra Palace
22
Presidential Palace
23
Narratives of a City
24
26 on a Shredded Economy
Biographies
Curators
28
Team
30
Appendix
32
Our Story
34
Prologue The Untold Story of the Wallpaper
14th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.
people the substance of our efforts focusing on the strong concept we aim to present. Everyone was feeling excited and ready to spring into action. The team constantly kept
drawings and photographs from the last century which were integrated into the result you are presenting. We thereon determined the position of those throughout the length and depth of the paperstories begin to dissolve into one another.
the result was shipped to Venice.
that were quite crucial to the appearance of the wallpaper. It was decided to intentionally maintain these as they express the preparation process as a story of its own. The production of the wallpaper was a participatory process with contribution from individuals not endeavor to achieve aesthetic cohesiveness. The stories were compiled and are now being revealed according to the unique interpretation on reality each contributor-storyteller obtains. We felt an urge to illustrate the different stories we collected through the interviews
experience the personal yet cumulative stories which compose the transitory uniqueness
Thank you to everyone who dedicatedly volunteered on this project for the last three
Michael Hadjistyllis
4
The Allegory of the Wallpaper It represents ideas and conceptions. Any resemblance to reality (characters or events) is not at all coincidental; it is contrarily deliberate.
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sides from west towards east. The East side and the West side were identical twins.
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of renowned architects and artists from all over the country responded by springing into even seasonal changes.
forests- composed the landscape. The ongoing creation leaves the artists overcome with satisfaction
The wallpaper became a continuous confrontation of a dynamically changing city to an imaginary world: a collective excess of imaginary landscapes overlaid upon each other - an
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-
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recognized as an undeniable truth.
5
Archaeological Museum The case of the Archaeological Museum of Cyprus is an Greek Revival style featuring a tetrastyle Ionic entrance portico. The design was chosen partly on the basis of its simplicity and its capability for future expansion. George so distant colonial past and its more recent national goals. but kept the portico entrance suggesting though that for the creation of the Cyprus Museum which would Commissioner Sir Robert Biddulph. The Museum was it was deemed inadequate for several reasons. After the decided that the new Cyprus Museum would be erected in her memory. In 1905 a new law for the protection of antiquities was passed which led to the decision to
an incontestable mode of Hellenic art in replica form�. The Greek sculptor Chaldupis was commissioned to replicate the entrance portico of the temple of Athena Nike on the acropolis. The portico was shipped from
long galleries extended to the east from the north and south sides as well as two smaller galleries identical small towers. Rusticated sandstone was used in the construction of both extensions. Phases four and construction of a lecture theatre on the centre of the North side and a subsequent long gallery connecting the two galleries built in phase three. The square plan of the Museum was thus completed. In phases three and four there was a shift from the neo-classical style used employing the use of highly modelled Tuscan attached columns and pilasters on the south and north facades.3
was literally attached to the entrance of the colonialIn the following years there was pressure for more space as more antiquities were excavated from sites all 2
walled city. A year later an architectural competition was announced and the Museum committee received three entries. All three designs were in a neo-classical style by Greek Cypriot or Greek architects and it is one of
1
The Committee chose the architectural plans of a Greek architect and Member of the Athens Archaeological
not to the high standards held by Jeffrey. It is hoped responsible for designing the subsequent extensions which were constructed in another four phases. The second phase which started in 1912 included the construction of two small towers on top of two new galleries which extended the museum on either side. A cloister was also constructed east of the main entrance hall which used for storage and preservation. The third phase was carried out in 1914 until 1916. Two
6
it will be properly maintained and restored to its initial architectural form.
British colonial architecture in Cyprus. The architecture of the British colonial administration 1878-1960
Church of Apostole Varnavas & Saint Makarios The construction of the Apostole Varnavas and Saint site went under reconstruction. By the completion of in the beginning of the 1970s and was completed at the end of the same decade.1 austere simplicity of the masonry load-bearing wall cover of the external exposed concrete surface and the creation of wall paintings on the internal walls.5 were acquired from experiences with Italian design. surfaces and features executed with the articulate detail of a Cypriot master craftsman. Both in terms of the typology and in terms of the transitional spaces architectural response to local climatic conditions.2
of the movement of modernity for an alternative continuation of the ecclesiastic history of the 20th century and his attempt to introduce new angles in the interpretation of the orthodox faith failed as the locals showed not to be prepared to accept his
The nave of the church with its arched ceiling was
simple and mysterious one. The artistic channeling of the natural light through the lunettes on the inner
(Nico-
into an even more “intangible� one.3 The monument bears similarities with the church of Saint Francis
The relationship between -
parabolas with outdoor mosaics.4 The completion of its construction received mixed
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overemphasis of the Christian values of humility and of the representatives of the Orthodox Community local character.
in:
7
Gates replaced the homonymous former gate of the Frankish walls which was standing next to the Abbey of Saint Venetians to construct new defensive walls for the roads have been constructed next to the Gates to was three miles forms the present shape of the walled city. This defensive construction has three Gates:
to the gate were demolished in order to provide a wider stands on top of the Gate.
Gates as an entry or exit point. material used for the Venetian walls was taken from the demolished old walls and the rest of the buildings which were outside the walls. A large number of churches and palaces were knocked down in order not to be captured by the enemy. Although the walls were constructed for
The usage and function of these constructions are
in the past (named after the Venetian proveditore
Gate is the most impressive of all three. It was known
the British and it does not look like it has ever been part of a defensive wall or a passage. The reason for this is that the colonists demolished part of the Walls in order to create new roads as in the case of Paphos Gate.
the bastion with the same name in honor of Scipio who invaded and conquered the island after the Great War of 1570-1571. The Siege of Nicosia lasted for two months; the city fell in the hands of the Turks on
and Porta di Sotto (the lowest part of the city). Facing transformed it to an observatory. They had also added an inscription on the south wall of the construction. the most famous one thanks to the fact that travelers and new Commanders would use this Gate to enter the
inhabitants had to use these passages to enter or exit as locals refer to these in their everyday interactions: things or people; mobility is an element that describes for storage.2 role of the Gates as a reference point of the city. The second phrase shows the metaphorical usage of the space of the Gate as people do not use the passage through the Gate any more but the road next to it.
1
Gates was also to undergo change during the 19th and exemplary work of restoration and conservation of 3
exile and place p. 4
also known as San Domenico Gate (because it had
8
Eleftheria Square open space in the capital. Eleftheria square on the other 3
was not the square –except in the case of Phaneromeni square (18th c.)– but the Church or the Mosque as well as the traditional coffee shops. In the case of Nicosia there is a paradoxical story about the main square of the city.
The square will hopefully reopen
bastion.
next year.
The square became the heart of Nicosia. It is like a Gate in the capital through which one enters the old city leaving the modern one behind. Most of the demonstrations used to start or end in Eleftheria square. During the last century Cypriots have been demanding their freedom
Eleftheria Square constitutes a dramatic and historically
these efforts. It was also a reference point during the
Europe. Though the square started off as a bridge that provided connection between the old and new parts
this open space starts in the late 19th century. Because of the development of the capital outside the medieval
walls and moat with the modern city beyond- a bold vision of coherence and continuity which can become
part of our collective memory.
human rights have also been organized there. On the
1. The name of the opening was taken from the homonymous architect Pefkios Georghiades. It is located in the heart of Nicosia
1
bus station is located right next to Elefteria square.
was replaced by a concrete one.2 The new name was Metaxas. In 1975 the square was renamed Eleftheria
(13 February
biggest Greek Orthodox Church in the walled city at the of Zaha Hadid begun works towards the reconstruction
9
Modernism
5
The emergence of modernist architecture in Cyprus can be said to have taken place in two distinct periods. While
sees modernism as a symbol and instrument of the modernisation and decolonisation of a newly founded nation.1
Cyprus after its independence. The increasing number of Cypriots working in the PWD had a great impact on the adoption of the aesthetics of the modern movement for many colonial government buildings. They gradually rose in the ranks of the department and subsequently
ideas of modernism the style was assimilated to produce a local idiom. Young Cypriot architects shared
well as by the then-prevalent international style and brutalist movements.6 a secret convention with the Ottoman Empire. Upon common colonial practice of carrying out a full census
involvement with the running of the island was little to none (with the exception of issues of education heritage
number Cypriot architects begun to be appointed to design institutional buildings. Polis Michaelides was one of the best known Cypriot architects of that time. Having spent two years after
who introduced modern notions to educational institution design starting with the Lykavitos elementary school. to do the most to combine those notions with the local element. Drawing inspiration from the localistic and
the local population due to economic hardship. This prompted the British to launch a series of reformist civil engineer George Michaelides had already been
combined the environmentally sensitive and climatically orthological design with the modern idiom.7
the expression of structural elements and the use of white plaster and untreated sandstone for the creation
when the economic crisis is forcing a reassessment
setting forth a process of modernisation and urbanisation
particularly in the Public Works Department (PWD). The 1930s also saw the introduction of modernist ideas and practices on the island with the arrival of architects that had been educated in Europe. Architecture on the and to adhere to the principles set by the modernist movement.
Colonial authorities assumed the role of modernising agent and decided to employ the Michaelides brothers to lead the construction of the new General Hospital of Nicosia and a sanatorium near the Kyperounta.
The Town Planning and Housing Department (TPHD) along with the PWD proved to be great shaping agents of architecture on the island. Even though most of the development and urbanisation of Cyprus occurred after foundations that would later allow the total prevalence of modernism as the preferred style of expression for Cypriot architects. Worth mentioning is the Streets and Buildings Regulation law of 1943 -still in force today-2
newly founded architecture schools are re-evaluating the islands modern architectural legacy. How will the questions that these two periods pose to Cypriot architects be answered? What will they reject and what will they choose to keep in order in their continuation of the architectural conversation? If modernism was the
4
then what will the architecture of co-existence and economic recovery look like? was proclaimed an independent state. The modernist style is established as the single style of architectural expression on the island. Rapid economic development and a booming tourist industry provided the conditions for the building boom that would follow. As Pyla and
(literally and metaphorically) apart. This law would consequently affect architectural design which would often disregard the surrounding architectural context.3 The TPHD also drafted several town planning proposals expressive dimensions through the use of exposed
10
British colonial architecture in Cyprus. The architecture of the British colonial administration 1878-1960
Hermou Street cultures and histories converged. Ermou (or Hermes) Street1
2
New demographic changes are observed in the social structure within city walls. diverted for protective reasons outside and inside the newly constructed moat based
it temporarily. During the following years the major administrative centre lay north of
Ermou Street with the help of builders and laborers from the Kaimakli area. The latter level. This road that bridges the old river in its entirety became the major commercial
3
de facto separate municipal councils. This issue remained a major source of friction between the two communities 4
spread all over Cyprus and led to the establishment of a UN Peace Keeping Force
main communities: Turkish and Greek. After stationing his troops in different areas
Tripartite Conference of Geneva in July 1974. Pursuant to United Nations Security
Council then adopted the above declaration with Resolution 355.5
Zone marks the southernmost points that the Turkish troops occupied during the the capital of Nicosia. With the self-proclamation of the internationally unrecognized de facto southern border. Two thirds of the Ermou street is abandoned and within the United Nations
Palace Crossing just outside the walls of old Nicosia. This was only made possible after the decision of the ECHR ( Application No.20652/92).6
11
aphros from the aphros is often referred to as Kypris and Cytherea.
tourism was not the only sector that was unfolded. Independence brought together the
point for the architectural and artistic events on the island as the new climate of optimism and
1
The management of the landscape is an important element for the proper implementation of the new trends in architecture. The new architects coming back from their studies –by that time there was no School of Architecture in Cyprus- had the opportunity to apply the modern trends on white background. He explains that the reason for this is because the building system restrictions in its modern expression.2
people hope that it will be exploited to contribute to a new economic growth and –why not- to a new period of development and rise.
currently being subjected to several transformations due to the ongoing crisis that began
embrace and encourage the promotion of the local character as well as the urban and natural
stability and regional co-operation through a sustainable development.3
1-17
12
Archiepiscopal Complex and the Severios Library have been forming an architectural complex in the old town of
new construction was promptly erected with a donation of Ioannis Vergopoulos. The new building has since constituted the central wing of the Pancyprian Gymnasium. The school has
and an important record of historical documents.1
house the library of tens of thousands of books that stands there today. The cost of its
government assistance.2
archdiocese and his residence. The Frankish monastic buildings are dating back to the 15th
Ist was buried here in 1218. The Greek Orthodox Church began using it sometime before created by Adamantios Diamantis.3
4
5
pp. 23-24 (http://issuu.com/cyprusdossier/docs/cyprusdossier00)
13
Vernacular architecture is shaped under local constraints
of Nicosia was gradually directed towards a more
on the available methods of construction and ingenious and economic solutions found and utilized during each
areas and adapted mainly to the street network.
traditional architectural elements and part of the history
more urban characteristics while the road allocation adjusts to a more urban dimension. During the Ottoman
introverted character of the society.
simplest basic shelter in Cyprus. It is generally south oriented with its long axis along the East-West direction.
criterion for the location of the building in the plot and changes under continuous cross-culture interactions.1 acknowledging the importance of architecture as part of the local history currently threatens the identity of
The form and organization of residential architecture
no relationship between the house itself and the street:
were later transformations of the basic structure. The solarium and the courtyard are indispensable solar features of the Cypriot house and unique elements of
uninviting. The living and sleeping spaces were located
the courtyard are two fundamental elements used in traditional building design to temper extreme weather
public spaces.
features always create a microclimate that moderates the climate surrounding the building.4
Within a few decades after the arrival of the British in the construction of villages was compact due to reasons and of religion is more than obvious in Cyprus when comparing the different types of houses found not only in the city but also in the rural villages.
included all the house functions but which occupied a smaller area.3
The development of Nicosia begun following the type additions sometimes kept the rectangular shape of harmoniously to the surrounding geomorphology and the climatic conditions through time.2
principles of the two previous types. It is notable that all the semi-open spaces would be situated at the back of
type to appear in Nicosia. The urban development
the family took place in the inner courtyard due to the
14
L-shape. Despite these changes to the general layout
During the period between 1973 and 1976 the population of the southern part of the island increased by 40%. part and the government policy to house a great number
the Bioclimatic Elements of Vernacular Architecture: The Historic -
5
. The settlements were
of the Environmental features of Vernacular Architecture: A case
-
of Nicosia grew apart with little co-operation between in an attempt by the two communities to solve the many infrastructure problems that had resulted from
www.maronicyprus.com
determining role in shaping the Cypriot economy. As this period and a new type of rural house/villa emerged resulting in a sporadic and disordered development of that also fails to provide spatial and social cohesion between the different population groups of the city.
the variant architectural styles of Cyprus. Having been has a complete history that parallels that of the whole conquerors that shaped its history and accommodated their needs and culture into the remnants and foundations set by the preceding ones.
15
Balcony During the Ottoman period in Cyprus (1571-1878) Turks converted rural towns
Greeks eventually imitated the form of Ottoman balconies. The Ottoman balcony
Balconies -an easily observable architectural element- do not all have the same
neighborhood by looking out from this space as it extended above the street and provided an overview of the activities taking place below.
functional differences.
The majority of houses in the old town of Nicosia are constructed consecutively with
street exposed courtyard.
16
Sandstone
Cyprus Sandstone is a type of (sand)stone mainly composed of calcium carbonate (80-90%) and silica oxide or quartz (up to 10%) and is one that can be found in large quantities on the island1 located.
sandstone and the uniformity of production started giving way to experimentation
had returned to Cyprus from his training abroad in the 30s and turned out to be one of 4
representing a unique local aesthetics.2
become purely aesthetic and increasingly sporadic.5 great use of the sandstone in an attempt to preserve the local architectural character and to provide historical continuity for local architecture.3
1. http://www.trapezaris.com/stone/service10 2. ibid Periodical 4. ibid 5. ibid
17
Gynekopazaro urban structure.5 an inward-facing urban square with a coffee shop which
Frankish period (1192-1489).1
searching for a safer place to live.
following the idea of other outdoor markets like the one at Portobello in London and the Porte de Clignancourt in Paris.6
.2 the market was transferred near Phaneromeni Church
gather there both to buy and sell local products.
Chronicle
Gynaikopazaro was interrupted on 6th of June 1958. In demolished.3 -
Philippou and intended for the empty plot that remained after the demolition. The construction of this building when its construction was interrupted due to the Turkish invasion.4 The project was one of the largest urban 2014
18
Refugee Settlements southern part of the island increased by 36%. This was the northern part and the government policy to house a great number of refugees in organized settlements in 1
people who were forced to abandon their permanent residences. Settlements were constructed quickly and
The Town Planning and Housing Department is responsible for the management and maintenance of the settlements. A special program also envisages the construction of 402 housing units in the empty spaces of the settlements. Self-help housing government plots
private settlements mostly consist of elderly persons
refugees living in the estates obtained the deeds to their
become organic and how these can demonstrate the disputed notion of failure in relation to the Modernist legacy of European social housing.
from state owned property to mostly privately owned property.3
2. Government Web Portal: Town Planning and Housing
the burden of refugees living in tents. The refugee
4
The absence of
resources and social capital 3. Government Web Portal: Town Planning and Housing Department (http://www.moi.gov.cy)
concept of industrialization within house construction. (http://unconsciousarchitecture.blogspot.com)
quicker delivery of the constructive materials. The idea national identity and our collective memory. The use of Modernist models of community housing that these estates demonstrate situate this creative enquiry into the wider understanding of European interpretations of mass/ social housing developments. The Cypriot state
contractors and the Authorities.
thus even using ready made plans from the UK. This is presented through the architectural construction and through the creation of new communities; by not only settlements. The latter were comprehensively planned pathways and roads.5 retirement homes. The settlements accommodate 2
The current communities of these semi-state and semi-
19
Turkish Cypriots have actively engaged with such a plan.6 NIC used to be the principal airport of Cyprus from its construction in 1968 until 1974. The clock at this airport seems to have stopped on 20th July 1974. What was created with huge prospects and as a symbol for the great future that lied ahead for the
were assigned the transportation of a Greek commando force to protect the Nicosia airport from invading Turks. This operation was named Operation NIKI (victory). The
Airport and during the following days engaged against the invasion forces.
into an inter-communal tax-free industrial zone in order to attract foreign investment. The only condition for the foreign companies would be to provide employment for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.7 We are still waiting to see what will happen to the airport.
the dividing line between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The airport initially functioned as a military airport until a new and modern terminal was designed by the German company from 1 On 27th March and optimism what constituted a highly advanced and that was intended to become the transportation node between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.2
declared the airport as United Nations Protected Area. Nations Controlled Buffer Zone that separated the headquarters for the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)5 sites for the inter-communal talks that are currently taking place in the island.
past and to the horrid events of 20th July 1974. As the Nicosia International Airport.3 restaurant and check-in services have been left exactly the invasion. One can even come across with dusty advertisements and signposts of the time. Most striking last day of operation for the airport. Turkey severely bombarded the airport as it constituted one of its history of the airport.
Marneros.4 Two empty Cyprus Airways airliners were destroyed on the ground by the Turkish Air Force. On
it is yet another unsettling reminder of the division that has been tormenting the island for the last 40 years.
Plans for the future of the Airport seem ambivalent. While it has been suggested for the airport to be re-
20
1. famagusta-gazette.com 2. www.thetoc.gr 3. www.thetoc.gr 4. infognomonpolitics.blogspot.com 5. famagusta-gazette.com 6. www.urbanghostsmedia.com 7. famagusta-gazette.com
in the west suburbs of the city. It is a large industrial is deployed in one large single and tall space where the socioeconomic evolution with respect to external political forces through time. Cyprus used to be a British colony up until its independence in 1960. Despite that industrial revolution had taken place in Great Britain industrial development would only appear in Cyprus a century later. Three reasons seem to have affected this
limitations on the administration and functioning of
the expanding Cypriot economy of that time. Even
mature modernism. It is characterised by the structural expression of the grid on the facade and for the use of materials such as the fair-faced concrete and the unplastered red bricks.2 The building of the Apollo Textile Industries was designed in 1968 by Zembylas & Kythreotis and is located in the industrial area of Engomi in Nicosia. To
to build factories to serve a small population of about
he served.6 The building complex of the Wholesale Market is also situated in the west suburbs of the city. It was designed in 1970 by the joint venture of the architects Zembylas development allowed the designers to put into practice and to express the architectural language of the modernist movement. The water reservoir is a greatly
altered the initial design. The architects made use of of fair-faced concrete.7 40s with the public street network development. After
and to achieve the covering of larger spans of 25 m. Another interesting feature of the building are the fairfaced concrete brise-soleils on the facades.3
Foreign investment encouraged further investments in the private sector which led to the development of small
The Patiki Tobacco Factory was built in 1971 by the Philipou brothers. Located in the Industrial Zone of modernist movement. Even though the factory is still in development appeared in the southern suburban areas
motivated further investment and industrial expansion. The period following the independence of 1960 up until the Turkish invasion in 1974 gave birth to the most iconic modern industrial buildings in Nicosia.
design. Outstanding elements in the design of the building include the simplicity of the volume deployed
An early example of modern architecture is the
with their vertical pre-fabricated brise soleil.4
Odysseas Tsangarides. The building was altered in
is an example of intervention on and extension of an
The Ariston Shoe Factory was designed by architects Zembylas & Kythreotis in 1964 and is situated opposite the Police Headquarters on Lemesos avenue in Nicosia. The relatively small two-storey building has been altered
unique simplicity and modern facade.1
and the removal of the concrete sun-blocking blinds. The factory has remarkable construction details implemented in an exemplary fashion. The facades were treated with various materials such as fair-faced 5
The Retail Market located in intramural Nicosia was designed in 1965 by Stavros Economou. It consists of
The SOPAZ factory was designed in 1973 by Stavros 21
by the city centre did not offer enough space for new large factories and the land became too valuable for
Ledra Palace
Every building has its own biography and social life. The case of Ledra Palace hotel is an example of how the
and foreign correspondents who had come to Cyprus because of the Coup against president Makarios (15th
States Agency for International Development and local
during the battle between the Cypriot National Guard Ledra Palace hotel was built in 1949. The name given to the luxurious hotel was taken from the ancient kingdom ). The hotel was designed by the German Jewish architect Benjamin Günsberg and was constructed between 1947 and 1949 on what was then called King Edward VII Street (since 1960 Markos Drakos Avenue). Facilities included a conference room and a ballroom with an orchestra. There were
completed.1 were also included in the complex. Two additional
The Ledra Palace monument has a short but strong Ledra Palace was the highest building in the area and National Guard. General C. Beattie mentioned: «The in that it overlooked the Green Line and the Turkish to be making preparations to occupy the hotel. Some Cypriot enclave».2 and as F. Henn says: «The situation worsened when the TCF threatened to eject the National Guard from the hotel by force».3 the negotiating representative of the Turkish Cypriots to
Cypriot sandstone. The prestigious hotel became a famous tourist attraction on the island and the most glamorous one in the capital. Important and notable people and artists visited the hotel which functioned
from the area of the Ledra Palace Hotel he would order an air strike on the hotel».4 Fortunately the air strike was averted and since then UNFICYP has been controlling
decade of its operation Ledra Palace was known as a place of recreation.
the prisoners of war would wait for their loved ones to
at the same time as it has become a symbol of return. became a reference point associated with the political instability on the island. Ledra Palace was the venue to the Greek side up until 2003 was the Ledra Palace negotiations between Archbishop Makarios III and Sir between representatives of the two communities (Greek and Turkish Cypriots) have been taking place at of negotiations between Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash were also held in the hotel.
of the United Nations. It serves as the headquarters (Sector 2) of the United Nations Roulement Regiment
The year 1974 constitutes the most crucial point of the recent history of Cyprus but also for the story of the to operate. When the Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on
place providing accommodation and other services for travelers was eventually to be used for other purposes as well. It has accommodated politicians
and facilitated both by international organizations (e.g. 22
zone where there is nothing to remind the former glamour of that Ledra Palace of 1949.
Presidential Palace
making center and a place where important meetings
dome. The proportions of the tower at the centre of the building were taken from Colossi Castle and the dome was chosen in order to incorporate a Byzantine element into the building.6
with the history of the island.
7
Nicosia. Soon he changed residence and lived at the imported from abroad and placed at the grounds of Palace of the Republic of Cyprus.8 1
destroyed again during the coup against Ethnarch
procure a new building. The Governor had visions of a
standing walls. The building was reconstructed a few
of its occupant2 which would include architectural
the residence of the President of the Republic.9
as the latter was known as a highly creative and original
a gathering point for protesters against the President of the Republic of Cyprus after the disaster that had
by abstracting from and blending together local historical from all over the world were also gathered in front of architecture.3 related to the bailout of the Cypriot economy. Harrison initially visited Cyprus to inspect the site directly and to inquire about local materials and workmanship and later returned to make a start on the plans.4 But
Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus www.presidency.gov.cy Under the
had to be such that it could be built by local craftsmen
British colonial architecture in Cyprus. The architecture of the British colonial administration 1878-1960
employed to chair the design commission.5
Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus www.presidency.gov.cy Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus www.presidency.gov.cy Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus
pompous faรงade was designed with a projecting entrance consisting of two-storey archways. Above the
www.presidency.gov.cy Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus www.presidency.gov.cy
23
E Narratives of a City Andrea Katsavra & Maria Papaloizou
and social commentary. Narratives of a city moves through the streets of the historic center of Nicosia and reveals phrases and sketches which have marked the walls of the city over
our contemporary society.
perhaps even more than the reverse. As weavers
historical circumstances happening in the most intense period in modern history. Idioms and artworks which
and metabolize into one another by a kind of spiral vehicles of ideas.
individual but also the modern history of Cyprus as a years has been challenged to react to its history.
1974
A timeline of idioms that remain in history and became the slogans of an era.
merges the ideas of the past with the “voices� of 3 contemporary Street Artists. It illustrates through a
known is the case of the Greek-Cypriots for union of
young people. From the simple writings that transmitted ideas and urged people to act and react on political contemporary art pieces that commentate on vexations
1974)
the people. All represented on deconstructed walls that have been scattered as in the streets of the city.
voters to vote Yes or No for the referendum for the HANDS OFF CYPRUS (referring to TROIKA to keep 2004
demand for a change. Completely uncensored and liberated from any social taboo. themselves on the walls of their homes in the caves of
mark along their routes of travel forever preserving their accomplishments and lifestyles for the future
2013
scape of nowadays into a rousing canvas of creativity
24
Passwords
Street Artists MS.路.17 twentythree RockTheDog
Andrea Katsavra, Architect
to supervision and realization. She studied Architecture at the School of Architecture (Faculty of Engineering) of the Aristotle University
own projects.
Maria Papaloizou, Architect
25
Leonardo Da Vinci once explained that: “ any walls spotted with various stains or with a mixture of scene you will be able to see in it a resemblance to
illustrate the possibilities of turning a negative situation compulsively trying to preserve nostalgic emotions of what has been lost.
rearranging the source material in multiple layers and dimensions in order to evoke the past and provoke a personal challenge in visual heuristics. This new separate and well conceived forms. p. 873)
replacement followed by its subsequent destruction and the necessity for understanding its meaning.
inducing new visions and hopes.
appropriated as a springboard for engendering new
The surface protrusions and recessions in the work are open to subjective ways of interpretation by the
ubiquitous memento
an individual experience of a chaotic landscape of emotionally involved or emotionally detached towards
2008.The pound was an integral part of the identity of
growth of the once prosperous economy and society to stall. This meant additional trouble for the strategically
sense of being untouchable on top of the world looking down from the mountains.
in which the viewer is invited to let apophenia stimulate an array of patterns and connections regarding the contemporary situation of Cyprus from different points
division. The key historical event of abandoning the national currency in favour of a global currency is currently
destruction by shredding has seemingly reduced them
building blocks to reinterpret and forecast a future which appears actually not as bleak as it seems.
. George Braziller New York.
every act of the transformation of an inert material charged with
This exploration of the destroyed material sparks a new optimistic chapter in the allegory of the
erosion of hope. The resulting new topography offers an alternative dimension of ideas turning it into a vessel for introspection. Hence the installation attempts to
26
George Marcou, Architect
between the professionals of the local building industry. He is experimenting with digital technologies and their application in Architecture and
Communication. He has researched and published the transition from stationary to mobile production in various arts disciplines focussing
27
Curators
Michael Hadjistyllis, Architect
Michael was born in Nicosia in 1981. He studied Architecture at the School of Architecture (Faculty of Engineering) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece from which he graduated in 2006 with distinction. Between 2007 and
and the UniversitĂ IUAV di Venezia. After graduating he
from Concept Design to detailed Development Phase.
Dr. Bernardo Secchi & Dr. Paola Viganò. Between 2011 and 2013 he was a Visiting Critic in several Studios on Architecture and Urbanism at TU Delft.
MH:
of its rulers. -
have been inspiring and still inspire new architectural forms in the context of modernity. SR: -
Stefanos Roimpas, Architect
Stefanos was born and raised in Athens but quickly moved to the UK and then to France to recieve his architectural
MH: We were looking for a way to present the evolution of architecture in Nicosia (the capital city of -
layers and acquires depth by recording history. A cross-section of this wallpaper thus aims to reveal its Cook. With Peter as personal director he completed his
Medal and was exhibited in RIBA London. In January 2013
(OMA).
SR: ject. It all started with texts and narratives developed by M. Hadjistyllis and then discussed between us to form a coherent and materialized project. The title shows our ambition to keep the project as close as possible to the early ideas expressed in the text and the model we submitted in the concept phase. 28
Wallpaper translates to the multitude of layers forming our pavilion and Anatomy simply invites you to start examining those layers by cutting through the cardboard installation. MH:
MH: sents the accumulation of fragments of architectural history and collective memo-
-
to manufacture the material for the installation could not run their machines without -
reveal and recompose their own stories. SR: The concept is that you take a critical mass of research-based collected mate-
high cost. SR:
discover different stories or different versions of the same story by interacting with the installation. Someone can still just walk around the pavilion but I believe the experience would be much more rewarding after interacting with the Wallpaper.
more than grateful to receive the help of a great team composed by bright architeccrisis this team would have never been assembled.
Cyprus is a country with a long history of conquerors, each of which has left Finally, when the Biennale comes to an end in November, what do you expect MH:
MH: -
Have there been any challenges or surprises during the process of preparing SR: The valuable experience of working and exhibiting alongside friends and colMH: Usually some unexpected issue or other would emerge while carrying out the
endeavors. I will soon be back in OMA and will probably go for a drink with Michalis what happens until then.
would always do our best to turn these challenges into opportunities for development. 29
Team
Tolis Apostolidis, Architect Art Director / Communication Tolis was born in Greece in 1985. He attended the Democritus University of Thrace where he obtained a Master in Architectural Engineering in 2011. He Architecture in Rotterdam where he worked on projects of multiple scale and program worldwide. He recently established his own studio which has developed projects in Greece and currently throughout Asia. He is a visionary architect whose interests span from urban planning to spatial design and from art direction to fashion.
Eleni Hadjikyriakou, Architect
Emilios Hadjistyllis, Architect
Eleni was born in Cyprus in 1987. She attended the University of Kent where she obtained a BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA I) in 2008 and a Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA II) in 2011. She has since worked in Architecture Practices in Cyprus on projects of multiple scale and program ranging from public schools to macro & micro climate landscape design. Eleni has a great sensitivity on the environmental impact of the built environment thus she is currently developing small scale projects in Cyprus using healthier models of construction. Her interests also expand to multifunctional furniture design for small spaces.
Emilios was born in Cyprus in 1990. He
Constantinos Louca, Architect
Violeta Prado-Papadouri, Architect M. Violeta P. Papadouri was born in
Masters degree from the University of Bath in 2007 on Conservation of Historic Buildings. He gained work experience after graduation and practiced architecture through
Constantinos Louca is a Cypriot architect born in 1984. He holds a Masters Degree of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from the University of Miami. His academic work was exhibited at the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Shanghai World Expo in 2012. Constantinos has professional experience working for
He believes strongly in the values of
Netherlands and Cyprus.
Constantinos Caropoulos-Alefantis, Architect
USA in 1987. He is an architect with a diploma in Architecture and Planning
been an assistant tutor (2011-2012) Several of his projects have been showcased in exhibitions (“KunstAgora�
Austria 2012) and various digital media. Constantinos has collected working experience from different
where he obtained his degree in Architecture. He is currently working as a training Architect in Qatar.
developing projects in all scales for international architecture practices Richard+Schoeller Architects (FR) and Matteo Cainer Architects (FR).
Katerina Hadjistylli, Archaeologist / Art Historian Narrative Director Katerina Hadjistylli was born in Nicosia.
with distinction. She continued her studies at the Univ. of London and
Medieval Art History. She is pursuing her PhD in Art History in Munich (LMU). She worked in excavations (Dept. of participated in a project on registering Christian monuments in North-occupied Nicosia) and co-organized photographic exhibitions in Europe. She worked as
Loukas Koutsovendis, Architect Research Coordinator who at the moment lives and works in the village of Agros. He received his degree from the Aristotle University
practices that he applies with by
with a Diploma in Architecture (master equivalent) from the Aristotle University she graduated in 2006. Violeta has also obtained an MSc in Environmental Design and Engineering from the University College London from which she graduated in 2008. Between September 2008 and July 2012 she E. Papadouri as an architect where she gained working experience in architectural design and presentations. She has also participated in architectural competitions in Cyprus.
a non-governmental voluntary youth organization which he has been serving since 1998 and is president of as of 2010.
edited an art history book. She works
Higher Regional Court.
30
Credits CURATORS Michael Hadjistyllis Stefanos Roimpas PROJECT MANAGER Panayiotis Tembriotis
Maria Rousis, Architect Maria Rousis is a Cypriot architect born in London in 1987. She received a BA (Hons) in Architecture from the University of Greenwich in 2008 and a Professional Diploma in Architecture from the University of East London. working with the Cypriot practice ANARCHITEKTONIKI as an architectural
historical buildings. After graduating she returned to Cyprus to work full time
Kleanthis Rousos, Architectural Assistant
Stella Savva, Architect Stella Savva was born in Cyprus in 1986. She is a 2011 graduate of the School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens. She has participated in several competitions and workshops in Cyprus and abroad. After graduating she started her professional career by working in Architectural practices in Cyprus. Her interests focus mainly on the relationship between natural and urban
in 1988. He is an architectural assistant with a Bachelors degree from the Manchester School of Architecture. He
on projects ranging from housing restoration to public space design. As well as utilising his degree Kleanthis is also active as a historical researcher and a local activist as a proponent of the importance of public space.
Katerina Hadjistylli Loukas Koutsovendis Kleanthis Rousos Violeta Prado - Papadouri Glykeria Anaxagorou Panayiota Konatzi Maria Prodromou Maria Protou Nektaria Kokkinou Christos Christopoulos
Katerina Hadjistylli
Tolis Apostolidis COLLAGES Emilios Hadjistyllis Andrea Verni Tolis Apostolidis
environment.
she is interested and actively involved
Constantinos Louca Costas Caropoulos-Alefantis
local and international artists on various
Eleni Hadjikyriakou Kleanthis Rousos Maria Rousis Violeta Prado-Papadouri Stella Savva
Piekarz.
WORKSHOP Natalia Christodoulou Sophia Miltiadous Protik Biswas Paraskeui Lantou Andreas Iosif Theodora Solonos Stelios Hadjisotiriou Eirini Iacovidou Maria Matsouka Konstantina Psatha Kyriakos Hadjistyllis Cleopatra Haralampous
Panayiotis Tembriotis, Architect Project Manager Panayiotis was born in Australia in 1985. After graduating in Cyprus he attended the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece where he obtained a Master in Architectural Engineering. In 2013 he moved to The Netherlands to join the Business Development department of
arts and publications to research and communication.
Andrea Katsavra Maria Papaloizou
Andrea Verni, Architect / Urban Planner
THE END OF THE in 1989. In 2012 she obtained a Diploma in Architectural Engineering
ON A SHREDDED ECONOMY Giorgos Marcou
Architecture] in Nicosia with distinction. Panayiotis Tembriotis Tolis Apostolidis
Netherlands where she worked as an architect for a year before deciding to continue her academic studies. She is currently a post-master student in
Anna Marangou Maria Filokyprou Stefanos Fereos Petros Fokaides Emilios Michael Tsoukalas Ioannis Evanthia Tselika Sara Bilge
Rotterdam International Architecture Biennale of 2014.
31
Cultural Institutions: Leventio Museum Nicosia Municipality Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation Town Planning & Housing Department Nicosia Master Plan House of Cooperation
Appendix
Past
Present
32
33
Our Story
34
Photo Credits THE ALLEGORY OF THE WALLPAPER Shunk-Kender Š Roy Lichtenstein Foundation
8.2 The Archiepiscopal complex just after
Archaeological Museum 8.6 Archbishop Makarios arriving at the Church of Apostle Varnavas & Saint Makarios
Michailides Archiepiscopal Complex Gynekopazaro
Ledra Palace Balcony Presidential Palace
Sandstone Gynekopazaro Archaeological Museum
Yalousa Yalousa
Philippou Philippou Philippou Church of Apostle Varnavas & Saint Makarios Refugee Settlements
13.6 The Lakatamia refugee settlement aerial Prodromou
Novotarsky
Yalousa
Novotarsky Gates 13.12 Priest in coffee shop in a Strovolos
PIO
Eleftheria Square
14.5 Passengers boarding a Cyprus airways
Politis-Yalousa Politis-Yalousa
Modernism archive
J&APhilippu
PIO
Philippou
Phereos The Wall
Ledra Palace
Presidential Palace Aphrodite (SAI/126/70 - Drawing No. HQ.G.240)
Archiepiscopal Complex
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www.wallpaperanatomy.com