The Nicosia Master Plan: Historic Preservation as Urban Regeneration
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Date
2018-09-06
Authors
Ewers, Caitlyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Bifurcated by a demilitarized United Nations Buffer Zone since 1974, Nicosia is the only divided capital city in Europe. In 1979, its dual municipalities devised a radical, bicommunal Master Plan to mitigate some of the buffer zone’s divisionary effects and to revitalize the city center. This thesis examines the role of historic preservation within the Nicosia Master Plan, investigating the development of the plan’s preservation element and evaluating how the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings on either side of the barrier have promoted peaceful interaction and spurred economic growth and resettlement in the central city. Population growth, the booming heritage tourism industry, and the proliferation of bicommunal cultural events all indicate the successful implementation of these strategies. Of interest to preservationists, planners, and policymakers faced with divisive and nontraditional planning challenges, this is a timely topic that reveals the potential for preservation strategies to effect lasting urban revitalization.
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Keywords
Adaptive reuse, Divided cities, Historic preservation, Preservation planning, Rehabilitation, Restoration