European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Architecture students were awarded the Honour Award at the International Aesthetic Design Competition IADC2024, an international architecture competition organised by Alanya University Department of Architecture.

Burak Kerim İşler and Nianka Kouakou, 4th year students of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, participated in the competition together with Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Selen Abbasoğlu Ermiyagil in the category of A-2: Cultural Aesthetics in Architectural Design and represented EUL in the best way.

The Eaved House was chosen as the working space in the Project

Faculty Member Abbasoğlu provided information about the competition and noted the following; In the International Architecture Competition, which was designed to develop “Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World”, the participants were expected to produce aesthetic solutions in architectural design and urban planning. As part of the competition organised in four different categories, our faculty, which applied to the competition in the A-2: Cultural Aesthetics in Architectural Design category, with the Serene (Galinios) project developed, with the idea of a multi-purpose space located in the Walled City neighbourhood of Nicosia, the last divided capital of Cyprus, the Eaved House, which was built in the old Ottoman period, became one of the symbols of the city of Nicosia and is now used as an exhibition space, was selected as the working space. This space is designed to connect the north and south of Cyprus with the rest of the world and share the incredible richness of Cypriot traditions and culture. It is a place where people can enjoy traditional Cypriot food and drink, learn about Cypriot music and art, and participate in workshops on the island’s identity. The users of the space will have the chance to see the cultural heritage of Cyprus by discovering its artistic richness and having immersive experiences that take them back in time.

The conceptual starting point of the project is the swallows, which are often seen in the existing building. They are symbols of hope and peace and they are there today as they were in the past and they will continue to be here in the future. In the design of the space, the idea of respecting and protecting the past, serving the present and continuing to live in the future was taken into consideration. The concept of peace is also important in the design, as the aim of this space is to unite people to create a deep sense of connection and connection through learning and sharing culture. The name of the project is therefore derived from the word “serene”, meaning peaceful and tranquil, and its Greek translation “Galinios”, referring to uniting Cyprus as an island with the rest of the world. The venue aims to unite the southern and northern parts of Cyprus with the rest of the world in order to share the island’s cultural heritage. It will do this through authentic Cypriot cuisine, coffee, exhibitions, performances and workshops on local crafts of the island such as carpet weaving, pottery making and painting. It aims to make a positive impact and add value to the community and ensure spatial and cultural continuity.