Biological Sciences Campus
NICOSIA - CYPRUS
COMPETITION ENTRY - AWARDED COMMENDATION
CULTURAL
This proposal for the Biological Sciences Campus in Nicosia adopts a thoughtful, understated design that responds to the natural topography and climate of the site. Rather than reshaping the landscape, the main building is raised above the ground, allowing the terrain and vegetation to remain largely untouched.
This elevation also creates naturally shaded outdoor spaces below, which can be used for circulation, informal gatherings, green areas, and outdoor teaching—enhancing the campus’s social and ecological functions.
The ground level is defined by gently curved, load-bearing concrete walls that anchor the structure while housing vertical circulation such as staircases and elevators. These sculptural forms create a calm and open base that blends with the site. Above, the design is organized into four identical volumes, arranged in a regular grid. This repetition introduces clarity, reduces construction complexity, and supports future flexibility for laboratories, classrooms, and other academic uses.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the project’s design strategy. The elevated structure, combined with deep overhangs and careful orientation, helps reduce solar heat gain and encourages natural ventilation throughout the campus.
The open ground level allows for passive cooling by promoting air circulation beneath the building, while shaded outdoor spaces reduce the need for mechanical climate control. Photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof supply renewable energy to the campus, lowering operational carbon emissions. The use of local materials, efficient glazing, and passive design principles together support a low-impact, climate-responsive architecture that aligns with the goals of long-term environmental stewardship.
The architecture avoids bold formal gestures, opting instead for a quiet expression that supports its academic mission and respects the site’s character. Natural materials, generous glazing, and simple geometry contribute to a clear, functional, and sustainable identity that integrates seamlessly into its environment.
