Limassol City Hall Competition - Distinction

The creation of a public square which relates to the city hall and the surrounding buildings and becomes a reference point for the city of Limassol was central in this investigation. Such a public space can become a landmark for the visitor and help orient and guide the user within the wider central area of the old city of Limassol.

The proposed addition creates an interdependent relationship with the existing city hall and contributes to the redefinition of streets pathways, green spaces, open spaces and visual connection within the surrounding area but also the larger urban fabric of the old center of the city of Limassol. The morphology, scale and orientation of the proposed building and how it relates with the existing structures helps to redefine the character of the surrounding area and the character of the historical city center.

The building along Archbishop Kyprianou, where the existing main entrance is located, tries to engage in a dialogue with the existing city hall and the surrounding area. The city hall addition steps back from the construction line on Archbishop Kyprianou street at the level +1.90 to create a covered entrance that leads up and into the building. This gesture also helps to reveal the square to the surrounding streets and welcome pedestrians to the larger public space created. On Saripolou and Potamiti streets the proposed building follows the edge of the lot only stepping back on the ground floor on Saripolou to reveal the entrance to the parking and the pedestrian way running between the new and the old city hall connecting Saripolou to Archbishop Kyprianou street.

Contrary to what happens on the entrance level the building extends to the construction line at level +5.40 and above. A cantilever is created, which extends in two directions, housing the conference center and balcony. A framed view of the existing city hall and square is created through the large south-east windows of the conference room. The new building appears to ‘hug’ the existing city hall and engage the contemporary in a conversation with the old. The gesture reinforces the creation of a marker within the old city.

Location

Location