User:Jeansbagel/sandbox/Rehabilitation of the Walled City, Nicosia, Cyprus

The Rehabilitation of the Walled City is an architectural project, formulated in 1979 and completed in 1997. Designed by the | Nicosia Master Plan Team, the project was funded by the European Union with the intention of restoring the urban fabric of the neglected area.

History
Over the course of it's history, the city of Nicosia fell to a number of ruling empires, including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and British, before eventually being instated as the capital of Cyprus in 1960. Only 14 years later however, a turbulent separation ensued, creating a division of the city into two areas - and segregating its citizens either side of a wall.

Planning
Under the auspices of the United Nations in 1979, representatives of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities met to discuss the rehabilitation of the Walled City. Stemming from this historic meeting, a master plan was drawn up to outline the scope of work. In collaborating together, both communities identified the need to address the structural and economic decline of Nicosia, and planned an architectural intervention to improve the quality of life amongst citizens on either side of the wall. As the first joint project undertaken by both communities, the project represents a sustained endeavour, unaffected by political factors.

Impact
The rehabilitation project was widely regarded as successful in achieving its objectives, namely facilitating development, conserving cultural heritage and building reciprocity between Creek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. As part of the implementation, buildings and streetscapes have been restored to their former glory, and the local economy has seen a upturn in fortunes. The project has drawn in tourists, encouraged investment, and regenerated the local area with new retail establishments and cultural attractions. It is hoped that the impact witnessed will raise citizen awareness and stimulate further involvement from interested parties, to build upon the continued development of a common vision.

Awards
In 2007, the rehabilitation was nominated as a winning project as part of the tenth cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The prize was awarded to the Nicosia Master Plan team in conjunction with representatives from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.