Λεμεσός μετά την ανάπτυξη, τι? (Project Limassol Urban Reflections)
Why – Why this book exists:
Cities are shaped by decisions, actions, and the passage of time. Limassol has undergone significant transformation, raising questions about what “development” entails—economic, social, cultural, spatial, or environmental—and how it affects everyday life and public space.
How – How the book explores the city:
The book is the outcome of a multidisciplinary project combining architecture, visual arts, and cultural studies. It functions as a platform for observation, analysis, and discussion, documenting the processes, creative work, and insights generated during the project. Rather than presenting conclusions, it captures the collaborative and reflective nature of the work, transforming the investigation itself into a visual and artistic experience.
What – What readers will experience:
The book published in 2016 documents a knowledge-sharing workshop led by architect Christakis Sergidis, former director of the Urban Planning Department, alongside short-format essays by participants, accompanied by images.
It presents an architectural tour along the Rialto Theatre–Missaouli-Kavatzoglou axis, highlighting 30 significant works that illustrate Limassol’s architectural development, supported by archival materials from the city’s planning archives and a glossary of architectural styles for reference.
Contributions from city decision makers, leaders of key associations, and the book’s creators provide insight into the spirit of the city—the Zeitgeist.
Moreover, it includes a preview of the exhibition, showcasing the work of contemporary Cypriot artists who participated in the project. Through artworks created specifically for this initiative, the artists explore and reflect on the conditions of the city, while photographs, detailed descriptions, and the artists’ CVs document the creative process and present their contributions within the context of the project.
The book’s visual and graphic design, created by Despina Kannaurou, has received awards in Cyprus and internationally.
Overall, through its content, design, and the wider project behind it, the publication becomes a standalone work of art by the creative duo of ANBAU atelier, reflecting both the findings and the creative process of the project.
"Λεμεσός μετά την ανάπτυξη, τι?" is suitable for anyone interested in architecture, urban life, or the evolution of cities—a reference, a reflection, and a visual and artistic work that documents the city and the collaborative investigation behind it.
