A Circus’ Act

The project proposes a system of layers that will activate the regeneration of the urban tissue around and on the UN Buffer Zone, Nicosia, Cyprus. Circus activities are introduced as catalyst to the process. Hence a stratification towards re-inhabitation is obtained, reflecting the stratification that is currently observed on the existing fabric.

Speculating about the future of UNBz one might just project current situations. The two de facto states are transformed into de jure states. However the removal of the military defence zones will lead to a terrain vague. The urban topography is already mutated and the architectural shelter has undergone a series of alterations that left behind a stratification of superimposed layers changing its use and confusing its typology. While in the south the urban fabric is pushing the military defence lines, the urban fabric in the north is drawn back. This is because of the edge conditions on the two sides of the UNBz. The south military edge is found pliable and permeable while the north is strict. The north edge acts as a backdrop to the everydayness hiding in the backstage all military activities. Therefore a new catalytic activity is required to take over and act as the first layer of inhabitation providing all the infrastructural necessities to attract both the pressing and indifferent urban fabrics. Circus activities (circus community and academy of performing arts) are found to be the most appropriate to act as a catalyst. The circus comes here as an allegory to the necessitated acrobatics on the existing fabric but also as a satirical reference to the military activities in the area. While the whole UNBz is of interest, the proposal is tested on the area around Ag. Kassianos. An academy of performing arts is proposed with a large arena for 300 spectators. The academy is modelled after degree granting schools like National Centre for Circus Arts, London, UK, and the National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne, Australia. The programmatic necessities of the academy deliver the base for the infrastructure that will attract the following layers. The intervention is providing services and infrastructure for new living units and workshops. Additionally markets will provide the means of employment while circulating the excess produce created by the workshops that supply the circus. Hence, the circus becomes the new backdrop to the everydayness and the buffer zone from inert becomes active.