A city crossing becomes somewhere to stay.
An opening through the old city walls can be more than a way across. Eleftheria Square makes the change of level part of a larger public place.
CY CyprusIn practice. Zaha Hadid Architects’ redesign of Eleftheria Square in Nicosia was completed in 2021.
What to keep in view
This story covers the square in the Republic of Cyprus-controlled part of Nicosia. The project’s connecting ambition is not evidence that it resolves the city’s political division.
Two levels, one public route
The upper bridge links the historic centre with the modern business district. Below, the moat becomes a park with walking routes, planting, water and places for public activity.
Stairs, ramps and lifts connect the levels. The design works with an existing urban edge, turning what could remain a separating gap into somewhere to move through and spend time.
Keep the walls in view
The historic Venetian walls set demanding constraints. Built facilities were accommodated beneath surrounding pavements, while the landscape and paving were developed around the protected setting.
The contrast is deliberate: fluid contemporary forms meet the old fortifications. The result offers a useful question for other cities—can a piece of infrastructure become an invitation to pause?
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Give the centre back to people on foot.
Two capital-city squares reorganise space around people on foot. Compare shade, levels and routes.
The playground is on the roof.
Follow another change in level that creates public space: from a city square to a playground above a car park.