SKALI

ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION SKALI: CULTURAL CENTRE, AGLANTZIA

IOAKIM LOIZAS Architects as Architects

The work is a result of the Pancyprian Architectural Competition of the Municipality of Aglantzia, in 1990. The objective was the creation of a multidimensional space with multiple operations that harmoniously fit in with the environment.


The creation of a "nonbuilding" in a space that does not allow massive buildings was the basis of the architectural composition.


The caves, which are landmaks of the region, intensify their symbolic and "sculptural" significance participating in the space, not only as spaces of events (exhibitions, lectures, museum), but also as part of the northern views of the amphitheatre expressing thus the dialogue between the natural and thestructured element. The symbolic importance of the caves is clear and it is diffused in the big open space square that unfolds above the amphitheatre and into the surrounding environment. It leads the visitor to the spaces where the events take place offering a view of the region, that unfold towards the Pentadaktylos Mountains.


The lower level is separated into a common lobby that leads to all the individual operations such as the amphitheatre, exhibition space - caves, and cafeteria. It is an element that links all the parts, natural and structured, into a three dimensional space for events and operations. The grouping of various operations on this level, with the alternate open-closed space, offers a variety of impressions.


The exhibition space is a point of union structured with the natural element. The elements of concrete join with the natural rock and create a multi purpose closed space. The eye is lead towards the caves from the skyline in the roof and the "mysterious" stairs that lead to northern sun parlor and then to the amphitheatre. In the joining point there is a shaped perimetric channel with water, whih begins from the caves, goes down in the exhibition space and is then recycled, taking out the dust from the rock. The water element emphasises the coupling of the natural with the artificial environment. On the lower level the objective was that the volume of the amphitheatre did not impose on the natural sand stone and would align harmoniously with the total.

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