Prize of Architectural Competition
LEADER ARCHITECT:
T. Xanthi
PROJECT ARCHITECT:
T. Androulakis
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECTS:
K. Varkarolis,
Μ. Zakynthinou-Xanthi,
N. Papastoitsi,
F. Salveridou
PROJECT TEAM:
M. Georgiou, N. Zakynthinou-Xanthi,
D. Mavridi, F. Tsakiri,
I. Christoforou
CONSULTANT IN DESIGNING
RESEARCH LABORATORIES:
G. Kaparos
LABORATORY DESIGN AND
IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT:
L. Seidas, Technola Investments LLC
STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT:
S. Efstratiadis – Helliniki Meletitiki S. A.
ELECTRICAL-MECHANICAL AND
SUSTAINABLE CONSULTANT:
K. Georgakopoulos – S. Tsantes KE SIA.
– E/Μ Design
COLLABORATING OFFICE IN CYPRUS:
Fereos + Associates
CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYORS
PROJECT AND COST MAGAGER:
G. Roditis
The building is a donation from “GEORGE AND KAITY DAVID” Foundation to the University of Cyprus. The site is located in the Cyprus University Campus in Athalassa, Nicosia.
The identification and evaluation of the project surroundings gave birth to the idea of creating more a living garden and less a dominant building. Although the need for a modern and innovative building remains, the heart and the identity of the building is found outside of it, in an environment that is mainly dedicated to the memory of a person, and provokes thoughts and feelings through the beauty and the power of nature.
The building is built around a northern garden, occupying the south and west side of the plot. So, in the north a hill is created from the excavation remainings which protects the garden from the north wind and the noise of the road traffic.
The curve of the building creates three entities. In the east, there is the entrance and the lobby, receiving the flow side, coming from the University Campus, where the building first appears. In the south, the second and main entity contains the main research labs and a mezzanine floor with the administration offices. In the western third part, there are two other research units. In addition, a shell has been created that surrounds the building, providing protection to the south, west and east. The shell creates a perimetrical semi-open gallery that provides beneficial shading to the building and its immediate surroundings. Finally, the upper part of the building is planted providing environmental benefits and extending the green areas of the site.