The project idea (concept) comes from the two (Varosha & Old-City) tourists attraction zones of Famagusta which the site happens to be between the two. These zones hold alot of the cultural and historical characteristics of Cyprus (and Famagusta itself); with this in mind, the aim of the project idea is to see: 'What Does Cultural Center Wants To Be Between Varosha & Old-City). The project idea aims to attract the attention of not just researchers, but tourists as well.
To accommodate the project idea; the building is spread-out taking advantage of the topography and existing building and vegetation. The spaces are spread around a centralized circulation cystem in the building with no interruption; extending from the entrance foryer.
Using vertical structures within the horizontality of the building mass to express the concept; and with the dominant vertical structure being accommodation spaces which provide views over the site, and to the sea, Old-City, and Varosha.
Considering the landscape of the site, the project provide outdoor public spaces (zones) for outdoor activities.
Cyprus attracts the attention of researches from various disciplines both with its rich historical background and cultural heritage and with its natural characteristics like flora and fauna. However, this attention is still less than it deserves. Primary reason for choosing this project topic is to attract the attention of researchers to Cyprus by providing the appropriate environment for researchers coming from various countries to do some research here and need accommodation during that time. Moreover, regular workshops, temporary and permanent exhibition facilities will contribute a lot to the people living on this island and it is aimed that this building will be one of the central places of a Cyprus Biennial to be held in the future and the plan of the building is determined accordingly.
The structure of the building is highly impacted by the idea and concept of the project. Also with Cyprus being in the zone of earthquake; the building footprint is sunked into the topography for basement, and to provide a more earthquake resistance. This also reduces the cost of construction. In-addition, structure of the building are separated to each roof with expansion joints, and the separation of the roofs is also in accordance to the concept which shows us the brokenness of both; Varosha and Old-City. The separation also provide resistance to earthquake. For the roofs, 2D trusses are used for long-span structure which lightens the weight of the structure.