Conversion of a Shoe Factory into the ARC - Architecture Research Centre. University of Nicosia

Locating the project among the adjacent unkempt Engomi industrial area with many dilapidated factories addressed efficiently the strategy of the reuse, the sustainable strategy and the regeneration of the derelict site, quite responding and reflecting the sensible and explorative identity of the ARC. The needs of the architecture program, the restrictions of the existing concrete structure and the low budget decidedly defined the approach of the design, which was thoroughly filtered by the weight of the responsibility of the identity of the 'Architecture Research Center': The compositionally prevailing flexibility of the interior space becomes indispensable part of the architectural education of the Architecture Program.

The central amphitheater is flanked by spaces that can be easily divided to circulations and various sizes and numbers of studios. Almost the entire ground floor can be rearranged all the time, the final stage of which can be an open plan space that can accommodate big events. This maximum flexibility of the building is thought to turn the ARC into a cultural, educational center of the region. Moreover, the malleability and transformability of the spaces contributes the most to the sustainable behavior of the building: as a magic box, it may provide various functions for the needs of which a considerably bigger building or a set of buildings could be demanded.

Not only spaces, structures and materiality are saved, but the running expenses of the building are considerably reduced. The amphitheater leads to the roof letting winter sunlight enter the center of the building. The envelope of the building is treated with polycarbonate panels in various soft color tones which will be eventually completed with a shading spatial proposal with climbing vegetation.