Reviving the Coastal life in Xylofagou fishing shelter

University of Cyprus, School of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Nicosia

Project idea

The goal is the reconstruction of the fishing shelter in Xylofagou area.The proposal to activate the area will be achieved through a dual intervention, below and above the sea surface. Studying at the coastal front of the
free area of Famagusta (between the British Bases and Ayia Napa), where there are a number of fishing shelters and new reforms are taking place for the benefit of the economy, this specific fishing vessel is the only one cut off. Although the form exists, it has been left to time by the relevant services.

Project description

On the one hand, the main concern is to provide new facilities for fishermen, the docking of fishing boats and vessels that could not be moored in the small harbours of the closest regions. The area that will host the new boat repair (Carnayio) and reuse of decommissioned boats. A training centre for young fishermen is also proposed, with the aim of reviving this traditional profession. At the same time, erosion issues on the seashore need to be addressed immediately. Therefore, a new ‘green’
way of restoration is proposed, taking into account ecological issues. This contribution mainly refers to the human factor and its interventions. It is an interconnected concept between ‘give and take’ back to the environment itself, offering a new image on the seabed and the possibility of hosting and attracting new marine life.

Technical information

The interventions operate along the the longitudinal axis of the coastline over a radius of 0.7 km and into the sea over an area of 0.2 km. For shore operations, green materials and aggregates are used to withstand the movement and friction of the carnage work site. The rest of the area is planted, preserving the character of the area and where material will be needed for the passages, wood is used. Below the surface of the sea, the breakwater unit is constructed on the shore using terracotta, with dimensions of 1.5m x 1.5m and a height of 1.5m and then transported to the seabed. Thus, marine life is not endangered by harmful materials.

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