CIVIC TOPOGRAPHIES
Antonis Peratikos, Yvonne Asiimwe, Demetra Houvarta
The proposal begins by observing marginalized clients’ experiences within an existing site such as those who are visually impaired,the elderly living alzheimers and children navigating in wheelchairs in order to achieve an inclusive design. Their experiences should go hand-in-hand with the urban fabric that is dominated by textures such as stone, glass and steel. It is vital for the proposal, that the intervention should act as an activity catalyst in the area, generating but also accomodating new experiences and spatial appropriations. Ease of movement and sensory experiences are a guideline that allowed the proposal to faciliate several requirements such as separation of flows (bicycle, pedestrian and vehicular).
The pedestrian flows from the city towards the area of the port from both entrances should occur organically in order to redirect people towards the added program and eventually towards the sea. Imposing on an already existing rich character that exhibits generational changes in both construction and program, was avoided by implementing a light weight steel structural proposal. It will support pop-ups such as temporary businesses, seasonal flora and fauna and the connection to the sea meters away. Entry into the old port will become a distinct welcoming point for visitors and locals alike. The intention is to organically direct them towards the interventions so they can get a glimpse of what limassol has to offer in terms of its locals and their skills, introducing a new program such as florist shop, aquariums, fish markets, graffiti parks, exhibition spaces, pop-up outdoor cinemas and restaurants. The openess of the structure will allow various interventions beyond what the proposal highlights, and plants should be allowed to grow as the light instructs them to.
Climate change responses are also incorporated in both entrances. By allowing the platforms in the side entrance to move vertically according to sea levels, while the channels direct excess filtered water towards the “aquatic islands” of the main entrance as a good prevention strategy, the intervention is not only able to monitor sea levels, but also prevent excess water reaching the old port while providing filtered sea water to the plants at the main entrance.
