The Cyprus Cultural Centre will be one of the most significant new works of architecture in Nicosia: a national venue for performing arts that will have a transformational impact upon cultural provision in Nicosia, in Cyprus and within the wider multinational context of the European Union and beyond. It will add a much needed dimension to the civic life of the city: a building that combines architectural excellence with functionality; that has a sense of presence and occasion; and that is, above all, a human resource, a forum for the people of Cyprus.
The main purpose of this project is to establish a centre for performing arts – symphonic and chamber music, dance, opera and musical theatre, scaled to the needs of a growing, and, increasingly discerning, regional audience and the growing market for cultural tourism. The building will also play a strong role in the Capital’s civic and educational life. Additionally, the Centre will also offer state of the art conference facilities.
The second principal objective of the project is to help to establish a new, lively, attractive and warmly regarded civic space – a new focal point for urban life.
The Centre will showcase local, regional and international performance, allowing the best of local work to be seen and heard alongside productions and performances of the highest international standards. In addition to the main performance hall, it is intended that the building will contain a smaller hall and an outdoor theatre suitable for larger scale concerts and popular entertainment. The building will also contain spaces suitable for educational activities, functions and receptions; the foyer areas will be suitable for informal performance, exhibition and circulation.
In addition to its primary role as a concert hall, the building will become a centre for the arts and education more generally, and a focal point for the development of the cultural life of the island, and so will serve a wider social purpose.
The building will in this way encourage use by the public not only when there are performances in the main auditorium but also on evenings when it is not in use, as well as other times of the day.
The Cultural Centre will be opened by year 2012.
Architects
Architects - Hopkins Architects was founded in 1976 by Michael and Patty Hopkins. It now employs over 100 people at its London office and a further 30 people in Dubai. The practice has a wide portfolio of buildings, including many for the Arts, which have won numerous architectural awards. It is internationally recognized for its work in sustainable design.
The Cyprus Cultural Centre competition team was led by Director, Andrew Barnett, who will continue the development of the project from the London office.
Consultants
Engineers - Ove Arup and Partners
Acousticians - Kirkegaard Associates
Theatre Designers - Auerbach Pollock Friedlander
Spaces and Facilities of the Centre
Main Auditorium: 1400 seats
Symphonic Music, Chamber Music, World Music, Opera, Ballet, Modern Dance, Musical Theatre, Cinema, Conferences.
Recital Hall: 500 seats
Chamber music, World music, Dance, Cinema, Lectures, Conferences.
Education Centre:
Library, e-Library, Music Library, Workshops, Musical facilities, Educational performances, Training.
Rehearsal space
Rehearsals for concerts and performances in the two halls, music, Dance and other events, receptions, exhibitions and commercial uses.
Main Foyer:
Art Exhibitions, open cultural events, entertainment, café-restaurant.
Auxiliary spaces and Facilities
Open square and Park
Facilities for cultural events for thousands of patrons, areas for entertainment relaxation and social gathering.
Underground car parking: 600 spaces