The urban square:

from space to place

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of fostering an integrated research culture between academia and the profession through a case study in the city of Nicosia, Cyprus. By focusing on the nature of the urban square as a socioeconomic and spatial phenomenon and the notion of a sense of "place” as its most important characteristic, the paper aspires to a) expand knowledge base in relation to architectural projects undertaken by the profession and academic research, b) address through the use of research methods, the challenges of designing an urban square while at the same time responding to local culture and community aspirations. The walled city of Nicosia is connected with the city outside the walls through three gates, two on the south and one on the north. Still, the main connection between the old and the new city which evolved through historical time, is Eleftheria Square. Although the spatial characteristics of the space are geometrically more those of a bridge rather than a square, it is symbolically the centre of the south section of the city. This is where major events such as political rallies, soccer celebrations and New Year's festivities take place. Following an international competition, Zaha Hadid's office was awarded the first prize and the commission for the renovation of the existing square. When the design was presented to the public, there were protests against it, partly because according to the protestors, the proposal does not fulfil the spatial requirements of a "square”; the square as it is familiar to the city-dwellers. This forms, according to this paper, an important challenge for scientific research: to explore the potential of a methodology which takes into consideration both spatial analysis and people's intuitive explanations. The present study suggests the development of such a method which combines both quantitative, spatial analysis of the structure and morphology of the urban "square” and qualitative investigation of individual perceptions and aspirations, of people's sense and awareness of their environment.