Between the shipyard and the city: preserving the intangible heritage of Limassol

Architecture, as both an art form and a practical discipline, is able to play a crucial role in shaping the built environment in a way in which enables the reflection of the cultural identity of the space. In an era of rapid social, cultural, and technological changes, it becomes imperative to understand how the architecture and the urban design of the area is influenced by the cultural context and adapt to evolving circumstances. By exploring the intricate relationship between architecture and cultural contexts,can be achieved an emphasizing of the significance of comprehending local traditions, values, and intangible heritage when designing buildings and urban environments.The goal of the project is to conduct research by design, leading to an architectural proposal. By analyzing coastal developments in other Mediterranean cities, as well as the development along the rest of the coastline in the city, this knowledge can be applied to the specific site. The proposal aims to highlight the Maritime Heritage of the area and seamlessly integrate into the continuous path along Limassol’s coastline.The idea is to create an intermediate space on the site, bridging the city and the Shipyard of Karnayio, thus establishing a new coastal urban environment that is integrated into the urban fabric. The design of the proposal will be guided by three disciplines. Defining the limits of the generated activity, balancing the composition between public and private spaces, and determining the fluxes within the area. These disciplines will drive the design process with the intention of raising awareness in society about the heritage present on the site and emphasizing the importance of preserving it. Additionally, the result should enable the integration of the site into the city’s map and serve as a finalization of the city’s urban plans for a continuous promenade along the shoreline