New Town Hall in Nicosia

Urban regeneration

The new Nicosia Town Hall complex is situated among ancient ruins that reflect the history of the island’s divided capital. Serving as a luminous “magic lantern” at night, the project becomes a centerpiece for the broader urban regeneration of the old town. Strategically positioned next to the fenced Green Line, it occupies a symbolic location at the heart of the city’s narrative.

Functional Organization

The design consolidates all municipal services, which were previously scattered, into a single location. The administration offices, registry office, and planning department are combined with additional spaces that enrich the building’s program -such as a corridor with panoramic views, a multi-purpose rooftop terrace open to the sky, shaded outdoor areas, and a flexible room for after-hours events. The goal was to integrate the complex into a democratic public space, accessible to pedestrians, thereby fostering both literal and figurative exchange.

Contextual Integration

Additionally, a passive design strategy was employed to provide sustainable solutions tailored to the southern Mediterranean climate, within the context of a unique historic center enclosed by walls. The project, born out of an architectural competition, evolved as the excavations progressed. To integrate the archaeological finds, it was crucial to maintain the core principles of transparency, openness, and multifunctionality. Dividing the project into separate buildings addressed the challenge of foundations over the antiquities and facilitated the creation of public passageways. The individual volumes, connected by bridges and stairs at floor level, were arranged around the central hall, providing shade and creating covered spaces for events. Their façades enrich the urban environment, reflecting the movement of staff inside.

A walkway encircling the excavated area links the separate sections to the surrounding streets. Positioned at the lower level, the main building, with large glass walls connecting it to the antiquities, is designed for regular City Council meetings and a variety of events. The roof, open to the sky, accommodates diverse activities, while a surrounding walkway offers panoramic views of the densely populated city and both sides of the island.

Sustainable Approach

For both the office spaces and the main hall, simple and cost-effective strategies were implemented to minimize the reliance on mechanical cooling. In the office areas, the massive concrete structures are designed to maximize their exposure to the sun, allowing them to absorb excess heat. At night, this heat is released back into the environment, completing the daily thermal cycle.

The south-facing façade features a ventilated ceramic tile covering, interrupted by tall windows with double glazing, while the north façade is protected by a thin curtain wall. To optimize the building’s performance, the solar behavior of both façades was simulated to minimize summer heat buildup while ensuring high-quality natural light. All ventilation is manually controlled from within each office.

In the main hall, a large woven birch plywood “basket” is attached to a double steel anti-seismic frame, creating a ventilation zone behind the glazing. Cool air is introduced through the building management system (BMS) at the base and released from above, maintaining a constant internal temperature. The wooden construction also filters external light and enhances sound absorption, making it ideal for talks and events. Oak and poplar wood paneling is used throughout the space, providing a distinctive textured finish.