The new Student Residential Compound of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia aspires to act unifyingly
for the whole developing area, following the existing central vertical axis that connects the northern
entrance of the campus with the development area of the dormitories. With the creation of the new
complex, a bioclimatic and sustainable group of contemporary student housing is established, which
aims to be a new landmark within the campus.

The dominant issue during the design was the possibility of identification of young, different residents
with the compound as well as the possibility of acquiring it, as a place of residence but at the same time
a place for inspiration, creation, meditation, relaxation and recreation.

The main intention of the proposal was the distribution of the required rooms in six different 5-storey
buildings, for safety and better operation of the dormitories, which operate independently but also are
connected and coexist with their neighbors. Each building was decided to have a pentagonal-circular,
more rounded shape which allows smooth circulation and visual escapes between the occupants of
different floors and buildings, facilitating the communication and coexistence of different people. The
rooms are organized on five sides around a planted patio, and on an equal number of floors, with the
corners receiving either common uses or vertical communication. In this way each room has a different
view of the surrounding landscape of Athalassa, making it unique, while the overall shape of the
dormitories gives a strong sense of identity, separating the residence from the other functions of the
campus.

A seventh, 2-storey building of similar shape, in the center of the field and on the existing central
vertical axis, houses the common areas of the complex. This central building, as it is located at a key
point, easily accessible both by the residents of all buildings and by the entire campus, is the heart of the
complex. An open-air square is created here, around which the recreation and trade areas of the
hearths are located, as well as the management and maintenance sector of the complex and shelter
spaces in the basement.