Bridging across Nicosia's divide : from a "no man's land" to a shared public realm

Abstract

This thesis addresses the issue of creating a new urban identify for Nicosia, Cyprus, by rebuilding the Buffer Zone -the "no man's land" that presently divides the city- in a way that encourages the sharing of the urban space by both the Greek and Turkish communities. The author investigates theories of the relationship between activities and the physical space and how the physical characteristics of space can shape image and identity, and consequently affect people's behavior. Drawing on these theories, a series of interventions within the Buffer Zone that will slowly transform the space into an area with opportunities to come together and learn about each other's culture are proposed. The proposal includes a series of open spaces and cultural activities that will encourage re-familiarization of the two estranged Cypriot communities. Specific solutions to political and economic problems are of crucial importance, but are beyond the scope of this study. The intention is to resolve the physical problems of the urban fabric between the two sectors in a way meaningful to both groups. This thesis proposes a plan that speaks to beginnings of connections.